Leadership is not simply the authority to direct others—it is the ability to influence people, make sound decisions under uncertainty, align diverse interests, and inspire organizations to achieve extraordinary outcomes. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, effective leaders must combine strategic thinking with emotional intelligence, psychological insight, ethical judgment, and disciplined decision-making.
Leadership, Influence & Decision Making is a practical, executive-focused course designed to prepare Junior MBA students for leadership roles in organizations of all sizes. Rather than concentrating on leadership theories alone, the course examines how successful leaders think, communicate, influence, solve problems, and guide organizations through complexity, uncertainty, and change.
Students will explore the behavioral and psychological foundations of leadership, the dynamics of influence and persuasion, executive decision-making frameworks, crisis leadership, negotiation, organizational politics, and strategic judgment. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on practical application, helping students develop the mindset and skills necessary to lead people, build trust, and make high-quality decisions in real business environments.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Understand leadership as a strategic organizational capability rather than a formal position.
• Develop practical skills for influencing individuals and teams without relying solely on authority.
• Analyze the psychological and behavioral factors that affect leadership effectiveness.
• Improve executive decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and complexity.
• Build trust, credibility, and organizational influence through effective communication.
• Recognize and manage cognitive biases that impair leadership judgment.
• Navigate organizational politics and competing stakeholder interests ethically.
• Lead teams through change, conflict, and crisis with confidence and resilience.
• Strengthen strategic thinking and long-term decision-making capabilities.
• Develop an executive leadership mindset capable of guiding organizations toward sustainable success.
