Introduction – If organizations in urban settings need to radically transform in order to be successful and high-performing, then their leaders need to think differently about how they lead, and indeed where leadership will come from. In this unit, a variety of organizational leaders will be studied such issues as preparation for leadership, governance and its impact on organizational effectiveness, leadership style and theories of leadership. Case studies will be used to illustrate conceptual approaches to the leadership function, and students will experience simulated decision-making through a mediated case study.Unit Learning Goals – when you finish this unit, you will be able to:Identify and list the factors which distinguish urban organizations from others, regarding challenges to leadership.List and discuss three specific strategies that would be considered non-traditional leadership strategies that can be used to improve organizations in urban settings.Describe the leadership styles of the CEOs in the case studies in the assigned readings.Formulate a list of issues to address in a reform of preparation programs for site and district level urban leaders, and leaders of other urban organizations. Included in the list would be recommendations as to where such preparation should take place, and by whom.Readings and other assignments to complete before you come to class:
Questions to be answered before class as you complete the reading assignment:In the cases, what characteristics have the CEOs in common?How are they unique?What changes are called for in the preparation of leaders?How do they compare to the design of this course?Summary of Key Points:Leadership in complex urban organizations is complex.New strategies must be identified and implemented for significant system-wide change is to be effective.Leaders must work within the political frame (building coalitions, understand and use power) to achieve the learning goals of the organization.No one best way has been found yet… click for download