Review: Leadership Skill Course From IIMA

I recently completed a course on Leadership Skills from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and it was a tremendously enriching experience! The course incorporated a vast range of cardinal topics associated with leadership, encompassing automaticity, emotional intelligence, affirmative relationships, power dynamics, politics, and even leadership sagacity from The Mahabharata.

One of the modules was particularly enlightening as it focused on various leadership styles and behaviors. We delved into the TREAT leadership framework and the five behavioral proficiencies that leaders ought to refine: task orientation, relationship orientation, empowerment, authenticity, and team building.

Another module spotlighted managing ethical dilemmas, developing organizational culture, and handling change. We assessed how leaders could navigate ethical quandaries and develop a transformative culture that fosters high performance. We also learned how to inspire organizational change using real-life instances from corporate and public life.

Yet another module explored power dynamics and politics in organizations, and how leaders can adeptly handle them while leading upward. This is an indispensable aspect of leadership that cannot be disregarded, and I was grateful to learn about the diverse sources of power and how to develop and employ them constructively.

Lastly, we examined leadership lessons from the Mahabharata, which provided a unique and illuminating perspective on leadership. We dissected various leadership aspects exhibited by characters in the ancient Indian epic, such as decision-making ability, integrity, and principled pragmatism.

In addition to the impressive curriculum that I mentioned earlier, the course also included several case studies based on real-life organizational scenarios. These case studies provided an opportunity for us to apply the theoretical concepts we learned in the course to practical situations. It was fascinating to analyze and discuss these cases with my fellow participants, as we gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that leaders face in the real world.

Overall, the Leadership Skills course from IIMA was an exceptional experience that exceeded my expectations. The course was well-organized, engaging, and delivered by knowledgeable and experienced instructors. I gained valuable insights and skills that I will apply in my professional and personal lives. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to enhance their leadership abilities and make a positive impact in their organization and beyond.

I express my gratitude to my erudite instructor, Vishal Gupta, a professor at IIM-A and also the chairperson of the Ashank Desai Center for Leadership and Organization Development at the institute, for offering this invaluable experience. I eagerly anticipate applying what I’ve learned in my professional pursuits and continuing to evolve as a leader.

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