Executive Master's in Change Leadership MA

Module 1 focuses on the core principles and practices necessary for understanding and changing today’s organizations, including key insights into the psychology of human behavior in the workplace and the basic knowledge required for effective change leadership. Grounded in systems theory, Module 1 includes core content related to organization development, change and consultation, including phases of the consulting and applied research cycles as well as inputs on organization strategy, design and diagnosis. Using an actual client consultation as a guide, executives leave the first Module with a solid theoretical understanding of organization change and development, the relevant business concepts required to execute that understanding and the key frameworks and practices needed to lead change processes in their organizations. Considerable emphasis is also placed on building a cohesive and trusting learning community among members of the cohort.

• Systems Thinking
• Organization Change: Theory, Research & Practice
• Organization Structure & Design
• Business Strategy
  
  

Having focused in Module 1 on the foundational aspects of change leadership, Module 2 of the Program asks executives to consider how individual behavior in organizations is impacted by the dynamic and often covert processes that occur while working in groups and teams, thereby deepening their understanding of the change process. Grounded in systems theory and psychodynamic approaches to understanding group life, Module 2 includes core content areas related to group relations, diversity, intercultural communication and intergroup dynamics. Using a three-day experiential conference as a hands-on opportunity to learn about group dynamics, executives leave the second Module with an integrated framework for understanding how the rational change processes and models explored in Module 1 are further illuminated or undermined by anxiety, psychodynamic forces and intercultural challenges. Executives are also asked to consider the application of group dynamics to their own learning community and their experiences in it.

• Group Dynamics: A Systems Approach
• Group Relations Conference
• Diversity & Intercultural Communication
• Team Leadership & Facilitation

Having examined change leadership at both the organizational and group levels, the focus of Module 3 of the Program is on the individual competencies needed to lead change successfully, including and most importantly a thorough understanding of one’s own leadership strengths and derailers as well as a basic proficiency in the skills required for leading others. Grounded in a suite of valid psychometric assessments, Module 3 includes core content areas related to leadership development, self-awareness, coaching and conflict resolution / negotiation. Using a series of feedback experiences as an invitation for individual discovery and transformation, executives leave the third Module with a clear understanding of their potential as leaders, the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to lead and develop others, and the interpersonal awareness and coaching skills required to do so effectively. Executives also consider how such awareness can be leveraged to benefit the Program’s learning community.

• Leadership Self-Development
• Leadership Development of Others
• Conflict Resolution/Negotiation
• Coaching

Having examined both the theoretical foundations of change leadership as well as themselves as change leaders, Module 4 presents executives with an opportunity to consider innovative and underutilized approaches to change leadership that extend beyond the traditional organization development literature. Grounded in the most recent change leadership competency research and the features of successful change efforts, Module 4 includes core content areas related to organizational politics and influence, cutting-edge approaches to change management, and leadership and change sustainability. Using another actual client consultation as an opportunity to integrate their learning throughout the Program, executives leave the fourth Module with a unique and forward-facing knowledge and skill-base that will differentiate them as change leaders in today’s flattened, 21st century organization. Considerable emphasis is also placed on reviewing the cohort’s journey as a learning community and exploring the ways in which the group has understood its collective experience.

• Advancements in Leading Change I: Change Management
• Advancements in Leading Change Ii: Politics & Influence
• Global Leadership Sustainability
• Contemporary Issues in Organizational Life