Servant
LeadershipCornell

Certificate Program

Leaders make the headlines on a regular basis – for their successes and their gaffes. After a particularly awful decision makes the news, do you ever wonder how that person could make such a dumb mistake? Mistakes and successes don't happen in a vacuum. They are generally a culmination of decisions and actions the leader makes. But where do those decisions come from? Almost always, the leader's character plays a role in decision-making and communications.

In this course, you will take the first steps on a lifetime journey of developing the character that will enable you to be the leader you envision.

Trust is an essential element in character and how you are perceived by others. The character dimensions authenticity, integrity, and accountability are intertwined with your ability to build trusting relationships. In this course, we will discuss how to develop these character dimensions which will, in turn, help you build trusting relationships and become an effective leader.

The following course is required to be completed before taking this course:

• Building Leadership Character

Strong leaders are self-confident. They know and are comfortable with themselves and have an appropriate understanding of their knowledge and skills. Strong leaders' confidence and character inspire others to follow the leaders and to reach beyond themselves.

In this course, you will work to develop the three character dimensions of courage, humility, and compassion. On the surface, these dimensions may seem contradictory (humility and courage?). However, through the following lessons, you will see how developing resilience for courage, willfulness for humility, and strength for compassion work together to create a leader of strong character.

The following course is required to be completed before taking this course:

• Building Leadership Character

Managers who are seen practicing what they preach and following through on promises enjoy dramatically enhanced credibility and loyalty. They inspire workers to perform well and even to go beyond what is asked of them. Credibility is not all it takes to be successful, but no trust or meaningful relationship with those you manage can happen without it.

This course, developed by Professor Tony Simons, Ph.D. of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, focuses on this critical element of leadership, and helps students develop the awareness, skills and habits necessary for mastering it.

Symposium sessions feature three days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today’s most pressing topics. The Leadership Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium in which we’ll discuss the ways that leaders across industries have continued engaging their teams over the past two years while pivoting in strategic ways. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to relevant topics for leaders. Throughout this Symposium, you will examine different areas of leadership, including innovation, strategy, and engagement. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from various industries.

Upcoming Symposium: February 11, 12 and 13, 2025 from 11am – 1pm ET

• Tuesday, February 11, 2025 11am – 1pm ET
• Wednesday, February 12, 2025 11am – 1pm ET
• Thursday, February 13, 2025 11am – 1pm ET

All sessions are held on Zoom.

Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.