Organization: The Open University
Program: Leadership and followership
Category: Free course
Location: Online
Duration: 8 weeks
Study Time: Approximately 3 hours a week
The Open University offers Leadership and followership as a free online course on OpenLearn. The official page presents it as a course for those interested in understanding leadership more deeply, whether from the viewpoint of a leader or a follower. It explains that learners will explore effective leadership, identify common leadership difficulties, and consider the skills needed to improve their own leadership experience.
What the Course Covers
Based on the source, the course starts with reflection on personal leadership experience and an introduction to different leadership styles. It then moves into key leadership skills, the differences between good and bad leadership, and possible responses to leadership-related problems. The page also highlights the role of followership, how leaders can develop followers, the challenges leadership can involve, and the future of leadership in a changing world. Learners finish by identifying how they want to develop their own leadership skills and by creating a plan to build experience.
Duration and Pace
The official description states that Leadership and followership is a free badged course that lasts 8 weeks. It also says the expected study time is approximately 3 hours each week and that learners can complete the course at their own pace.
Badge and Statement
The source explains that learners who enroll have the opportunity to earn an Open University digital badge. It also states that the badge is awarded for completing the course and passing the quizzes. In addition, the page says learners can download and print a free statement of participation on completion.
CPD Recognition
According to the official page, the course is accredited by the CPD Standards Office. It can be used as evidence of continuing professional development, and successful completion results in 24 CPD points. The page adds that the free statement of participation provides evidence of CPD achievement.
Outcomes
The listed learning outcomes include describing different leadership styles and approaches, recognising the skills needed for leadership, defining followership from both leader and follower perspectives, identifying how effective leadership can address common challenges, and reflecting on personal experience to create a suitable leadership development plan.
Weekly Layout
The source shows an eight-week structure. Among the visible sections are Week 1, Where are you starting from; Week 2, What kind of leader could you be; Week 3, What makes a good leader; Week 4, When leadership goes wrong; and Week 5, Why is followership important.
Entry and Sign-Up
The page states that learners can start the course straight away without signing up. It also notes that signing up is required for those who want to track their progress, gain the free statement of participation, and access all quizzes and activities.
Published and Updated
The official page lists the first published date as 02 January 2024 and the updated date as 02 January 2024.
