PRELIMINARY COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Title: Your Leadership Journey: Self-Reflections and Actions for Growth
Course Code: BUS 84
Instructor: Suzanne Liu Taylor

Suzanne Liu Taylor provides life and executive coaching as well as leadership,
personal development, and emotional intelligence workshops to help clients become
more effective and feel more fulfilled, both personally and professionally. Earlier, she
was a marketing, product, and brand manager at Intuit and Clorox. Taylor received an
MBA from Stanford and has taught in Stanford programs since 2001.

Class Sessions and Recording
Meeting days and times:
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:50 pm (PT)
5 weeks, May 10–June 7

Meeting location: Zoom (details will be shared with registered students prior to first
class meeting)

The class sessions will be recorded. You will get much more benefit by attending the
live online classes with me and the rest of the students, as we will have interactive
activities, discussions, and more learning by engaging with others. If you are taking
the class for a grade or credit, live attendance is an important factor with details
described below.

Course Features:
• Live session
o Lecture, discussion, practice time for students
o Requires interaction and active participation
• Assignments & Coursework
o Assignments and course materials posted in Canvas
• Individual conferences available

Course Summary:

Where do you want to go as a leader, and how are you going to get there? Research
from the Stanford Graduate School of Business shows that using a journey mindset is a
more resilient and effective way to picture your path, instead of focusing on a
destination. This class offers research-backed frameworks and tools to help you grow
as a leader. Clarify your purpose and values, so that you can consistently act in a
strong, centered, and resilient way. Become more aware, intentional, positive, and
compassionate. Build your emotional intelligence, which is the most important skill
Please contact the Stanford Continuing Studies office with any questions
365 Lasuen St., Stanford, CA 94305
continuingstudies@stanford.edu
650-725-2650

 PRELIMINARY COURSE SYLLABUS

for successful leadership. Explore how to help others be engaged, make progress, face
challenges, and grow. Stretch yourself to become more charismatic and courageous.
With this interactive and engaging class, you’ll gain new insights, expanded skills, and
a roadmap for your leadership growth.

*Please see course page for full description and additional details.

Grade Options and Requirements

• No Grade Requested (NGR)
o This is the default option. No work will be required; no credit shall be
received; no proof of attendance can be provided.
• Credit/No Credit (CR/NC)
o Students must attend live at least 4 class sessions.
• Letter Grade (A, B, C, D, No Pass)
o Students must attend live at least 4 class sessions for a B and attend all
5 class sessions for an A. Grade is based on attendance and
participation. No written assignment is required.
*Please Note: If you require proof that you completed a Continuing Studies course for any reason (for
example, employer reimbursement), you must choose either the Letter Grade or Credit/No Credit
option. Courses taken for NGR will not appear on official transcripts or grade reports.

Textbooks/Required Materials

1. Leadership Journey Workbook: Self-Reflections and Actions for Growth by

Suzanne Taylor
2. Harvard Business Review Manager’s Handbook: The 17 Skills Leaders Need to
Stand Out by Harvard Business Review

First Assignment
Read Introduction and Chapter 1 of Leadership Journey Workbook

Read Part 1 (Chapters 1-4) of HBR Manager’s Handbook

Tentative Weekly Outline:

Class 1: Develop a Leader Mindset

• what do leaders do and how do they grow?

• journey mindset
• emotional intelligence and authentic leadership

Class 2: Managing Yourself

• values and purpose

Please contact the Stanford Continuing Studies office with any questions
365 Lasuen St., Stanford, CA 94305
continuingstudies@stanford.edu
650-725-2650

 PRELIMINARY COURSE SYLLABUS

• positivity and possibility
• resilience

Between classes 2 & 3: Optional individual 30-minute call w/ Suzanne to practice a

coaching framework and get help on a goal

Class 3: Managing Individuals

• giving and receiving feedback

• influence and persuasion
• building relationships

Class 4: Managing Teams

• managing conflict
• leveraging strengths
• team development

Class 5: Guide, Empower, and Inspire

• bringing out the best in yourself and others

• difficult conversations
• managing stress and replenishing

Please contact the Stanford Continuing Studies office with any questions
365 Lasuen St., Stanford, CA 94305
continuingstudies@stanford.edu
650-725-2650