Spring 2024

LEADERSHIP
Prof. Michelle Jezycki (Mjezycki@aubg.edu)

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW
Description:
The Leadership course is designed to refine and enhance the leadership capabilities
of its participants through an in-depth examination of personal leadership styles,
critical analysis of successful and unsuccessful leadership examples from history
and the present, and the exploration of leadership challenges, particularly in crisis
situations. A significant focus is placed on the ethical dimensions of leadership, the
importance of integrity, and the role of a leader in setting organizational standards.
Additionally, the course addresses the emerging impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
on leadership practices. The program culminates in the creation of a Leadership
Operating System (LOS), a tailored development plan that equips students with a
strategic framework for navigating their future leadership pathways, emphasizing the
acquisition of skills necessary for effective leadership in a complex, rapidly changing
environment.

Objectives:
1. To gain a personal understanding of leadership skills and attributes.
2. To gain clarity about leadership principles, values and ethical boundaries that
students will individually identify, including how to respond in times of pressure or
challenging integrity.
3. To understand the shift to transformational leadership and how empowering
others to lead can optimize organizational effectiveness.
4. To understand and practice the importance of communicating as a leader.
5. To gain perspective on the changing landscape of leadership including
technology and artificial intelligence.
6. To create a dynamic personalized Leadership Development Plan/LOS
Leadership Operating System, to guide each student through the next stages of
leadership in their professional lives.

Required Texts and Resources:

(required textbook, cases or other materials/ recommended readings and resources)
George, Bill with Sims, P. True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership, 2007

Elieff Center for Education and Culture, 1 Universitetski Park St., Sofia, Bulgaria, emba@aubg.edu, aubg.edu
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TEACHING AND POLICIES
Teaching Approach:
This course will include in -class discussions and exercises, reading materials and
viewing and analyzing video clips in writing and in discussions. Much of the class will
relate to internalizing one’s own leadership style and identifying what is important to
develop in one’s leadership growth and future. A final paper will be submitted by each
student, outlining their own Personal Leadership Development Plan.
Attendance:
Students are expected to attend each course session. Given any unforeseen
circumstance it is expected the student will communicate with the professor to see
what accommodation can be provided.
Ethics:
Honesty and integrity are not only attributes of leadership but required in this class.
Each student will present their own work and, while learning from outside materials
and lectures, will develop their own authentic leadership plan. Respect for other
students and opinions are also requirements of this course.

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

Assignments and Exams:
Students will be required to:
• Actively participate in classroom discussions
• Provide input into their own leadership journey and future
• Read disseminated articles
• Participate in Leadership Communications exercises
• Draft their own Leadership Development Plan
There will be no final exam in this course.

Grading:
Final grade will be determined accordingly:
In class participation 15%
Exercises and group presentation 20%
Types of Leaders/Communication
SBID Model/Case Study
Assignments 25%
Pre class/What’s Your Story/Crucibles
Final Development Plan 40%

Elieff Center for Education and Culture, 1 Universitetski Park St., Sofia, Bulgaria, emba@aubg.edu, aubg.edu
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The course will be graded on the following basis:
Grade From To
A 93% to 100%
to
A- < 90 %
92.9%
to
B+ < 87 %
89.9%
to
B < 83 %
86.9%
to
B- < 80 %
82.9%
to
C+ < 77 %
79.9%
to
C < 73 %
76.9%
to
C- < 70 %
72.9%
to
D+ < 65 %
69.9%
to
D < 60 %
64.9%
Below
F
60%

Elieff Center for Education and Culture, 1 Universitetski Park St., Sofia, Bulgaria, emba@aubg.edu, aubg.edu
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COURSE SCHEDULE
SATURDAY MARCH 9, 2024

9:15am-10:45am Introductions and Expectations

What is Leadership?
Leadership Attributes and Leadership Today

11:00am-12:30pm Leadership in the 21st Century

Differences and Challenges
Resilience and EQ

12:30pm-1:30pm LUNCH

1:30pm-3:00pm True North—Authentic Leadership

What’s YOUR Story?
Motivation to Lead

3:15pm-4:45pm Effective Leadership Tactics

How to Get Others To Follow-Simon Sinek
Leadership Communications
Diagnosing Styles

5:00pm-6:30pm Crisis Communication Group Exercise

Sunday March 10, 2024

9:15am-10:45am Crisis Communication Presentations/Press Conferences

11:00am-12:30pm Biology of Leadership

SCARF Model

12:30pm-1:30pm LUNCH

1:30pm-3:00pm Final 2 Press Conference Presentations

Generational Challenge in the Workplace

3:15pm-4:45pm 5 Generation Discussion and Homework

Elieff Center for Education and Culture, 1 Universitetski Park St., Sofia, Bulgaria, emba@aubg.edu, aubg.edu
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Saturday April 6, 2024

9:15am-10:45am Debrief Generational Interviews—Lessons Learned

SBID-Communication Model/Practice
Active Listening

11:00am-12:30pm Leading High Performing Teams

12:30pm-1:30pm LUNCH

1:30pm-3:00pm Artificial Intelligence and its Implications on Leadership

3:15pm-4:45pm Authentic Leadership-Crucibles of Leadership

5:00pm-6:30pm Values, Principles and Ethical Boundaries

Top Ten Steps to Leadership Success Exercise

Sunday April 7, 2024

9:15am-10:45am Leadership Team Top 10’s Presentations

Leadership Traps/Pitfalls/Derailment
Why do Leaders Fail?

11:00am-12:30pm Leadership Biases

Inclusiveness and Diversity in Leadership

12:30pm-1:30pm LUNCH

1:30pm-3:00pm Think Again—Willingness to Rethink as a Leader

Becoming an Integrated Leader
Work Life Balance

3:15pm-4:45pm LOS-Leadership Operating System Development

Elieff Center for Education and Culture, 1 Universitetski Park St., Sofia, Bulgaria, emba@aubg.edu, aubg.edu
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