This post is sponsored by Markley and I was compensated for reviewing this online leadership course.
Do your New Year’s resolutions include being more in control of your life, achieving goals and bettering yourself? If you are like me those are the kinds of things you always resolve to do – with the hope that this year will be different. Well I recently learned of a free online course, How to Function Above Entry Level, from Concordia University in Wisconsin that is designed to jump start the process, develop a strategic vision and make sure you are functioning at your highest capacity.
When the course talks about “entry level” it doesn’t mean literally starting at bottom, it means starting right where you are and moving higher. If you learn to improve and expand upon your leadership skills you can move forward from where you are. Leadership is one of those things that few people are really born with, but everyone can learn. This course is a great way to help identify and work on your self-imposed limitations.
Personally, I enjoy taking online courses. I don’t have time to fit an in person class into my busy schedule, but that doesn’t mean that I still don’t have stuff I need to learn! The internet has made so many classes available online, and it is so convenient to be able to take a class when I want to, and learn from experts.
This class from Concordia is run by Dr. Ken Harris, and the content is taken from the school’s online one year Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Administration program. The course is delivered to your inbox, and it takes about 3-4 hours spread over about 1 week to finish, so it is not a big time commitment. Each lesson consists of a video with Dr. Harris, online reading and a downloadable worksheet. There are also interactive polls so you can compare your strengths with others. Here are the lessons covered:
Lesson 1: Emotional and Social Intelligence – This lesson focuses on figuring out what your emotional intelligence strengths are, so you can focus on them. With this knowledge you can see what kind of self imposed limitations you have, and decide how to improve your social intelligence. So much of our lives are dependent on social intelligence and knowing how to interact with others, that it is a key skill.
Lesson 2: Internal Forces – This lesson is the one that resonated the most with me. I have so many things I want to do, but having the internal drive to actually accomplish some of these things is tough. When you decide to do or not do something it is usually in response to internal forces, some of which you aren’t even consciously aware of. So learning to think about these forces and the natural rewards that make you persistent is is a great way to figure out what really drives you.
Lesson 3: External Forces – External forces also can drive you to succeed and push personal growth, so understanding these forces can be another key to success.
Overall I found this course to be beneficial to me. It really made me think and be more deliberate in my decision making, which can only benefit me in the future. It was very easy to go through the videos and do the reading. The worksheets ask some though provoking questions and helped me apply the lessons from the videos to specific situations in my life and things I need to change.
A free course like How to Function Above Entry Level is an excellent way to get a great start on the new year so that some of this year’s resolutions will stick and actually get accomplished. I love the fact that it is free, and so easy to do when it works in your busy schedule. So check it out if you are ready to take steps to reach the next level!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
That sounds awesome. I took a leadership class and LOVED it at my son;s dojo!
Athena says
This would be a great program for my supervisory staff to participate in. They don’t get much in the way of training and this would be convenient.
Jessica Harlow says
I’ve never taken any online classes, but I think I’d do well with it. Being able to schedule my time for it would make a big difference. This one sounds interesting and like I could walk way with some new knowledge.
Lois Alter Mark says
I’ve never taken an online course but this is intriguing. I think everyone could benefit from learning leadership skills.
Liz Mays says
What an awesome opportunity for people to learn some leadership skills. I think they’ll be very helpful for small business owners.
Rebecca Bryant says
This sound amazing. I could really use some help in the leadership department for sure.
Tonya c says
This is a great way for kids to become leaders and be confident in themselves and help lead others.
LauraFunk says
Those free courses that many schools are offering are invaluable. Looks like you are getting a lot out of them. Great share
Heather lawrence says
I am currently taking a “blended” course it’s part online part in person. The hubby and I are taking out “Occupational Health and Safety” course so I am quite familiar with online learning. I like it because I can sit in my pajamas and sip coffee and no one is the wiser 🙂
Mohammed Basheer says
This is my first comment, first appearance to your blog, you have shared a great info what newbie like me are eagerly looking for.
Thanks.
Ida says
This is such an incredible post for all working in offices. Leadership skills are learned with patience and practice.
Coralie says
Leadership is important no matter where you are – in the office, home, church, etc. It is a part of everyday life and it is an important skill to learn. This is great for everyone to look at.
Morgan says
This sounds like an awesome opportunity! It’s so important to recognize your potential and enhance your skills as a leader, and programs like this are an excellent starting point! Love this! Thanks so much for sharing your insight!