Mindful and Compassionate Leadership

Subject Overview

This course will empower you to develop a mindful and compassionate approach to leadership that is responsive to contemporary issues and challenges. Through the exploration of personal beliefs, values and strengths, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of what it means to lead in this changing, modern world. Drawing on contemporary insights from neuroscience, behavioural science, leadership studies and the wisdom traditions, you will develop a leadership approach underpinned by emotional intelligence, mindful presence, restorative conversation, and the logic of compassion. Through practice, reflection, discussion and role-play you will develop a deep understanding of western and eastern approaches to leadership and a personal leadership vision. This course will be of great value to leaders and managers in all fields who aspire to lead more mindfully and compassionately. You will come to understand and practise ethical relational responsibility, lead in ways that develop trust and a sense of safety in you, the leader, and your organisation. The skills and understanding that you deepen through this course will enhance your personal life and relationships.

Learning Outcomes

1. Comprehensively appraise personal leadership attributes and the qualities of leaders.
2. Explain the effect of personal bias on leadership.
3. Comparatively analyse western and eastern leadership styles.
4. Understand the logic of compassion and the ethics of relational responsibility.
5. Understand the value of restorative communication in leadership.
6. Maintain awareness of prescence and impact as a leader.
7. Employ skillful action, reflection and mindful contemplation to continuously develop as a leader.
8. Determine the outcomes of mindful and compassionate leadership.
9. Assess situations accurately, including crises, and make appropriate decisions to foster beneficial outcomes for themselves, others and the common good.

Assessments

• Assessment 1: Reflective journal (10%)
• Assessment 2: In-class presentation and discussion paper (40%)
• Assessment 3: Report (50%)