Full course description
Leading Technical Teams
Course Overview
Welcome to our Leading Technical Teams course, where we’ll explore leadership to support those in technical roles. Effective technical leadership combines technical and non-technical expertise, emphasizing self-awareness, team performance, project management, and ethical awareness. Our focus here is on self-awareness as the cornerstone of effective leadership and team relationship management.
This course is a starting point in your leadership journey, designed to be combined with other microcredentials for a comprehensive learning experience in technical leadership.
What to Expect
In this course, we adopt a structured approach, emphasizing knowledge acquisition, practice, reflection, and feedback as vital for developing effective leadership skills. Our primary focus is on two key aspects: building knowledge and self-reflection.
The course is divided into three sections, each followed by a knowledge quiz to gauge your understanding (passing score >80%). We'll also provide reflection and discussion questions to encourage engagement. A final assignment will allow you to synthesize your learning.
To enhance your experience, we've organized discussions with industry experts and technical leaders, including live sessions in the final week for direct engagement and valuable insights on technical leadership.
This course includes live synchronous sessions with faculty or professional experts each week. While they are highly beneficial to participate in live, accommodations will be made for those that cannot attend.
Time Commitment
Learners should anticipate dedicating around 15 hours over a 4-week period for this course. Each week, participants will engage in readings, watch instructional videos, complete assignments, and interact live with our faculty experts, averaging about 2-3 hours per week. Additionally, we offer the flexibility to watch recorded sessions with our experts, ensuring optimal convenience for all learners.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this micro-credential you will be able to:
- Identify the differences between leadership and management
- Develop self-awareness through the discovery and application of psychometric testing
- Identify leadership theories and styles and their impact in a technical context
- Recognize the characteristics of technical leadership
Instructor
Dr. Meg Handley
Associate Teaching Professor
Associate Director of Engineering Leadership Development Programs
Recognition
Upon completion of this course, you will receive a College of Engineering Certified Microcredential titled Leading Technical Teams. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile and other digital media.
Series Completion Badges
This course is part of two microcredential series: the Technical Leader Starter Series and the Leading Through Innovation Series.
Earn the Technical Leader Starter Series badge by successfully completing: Leading Technical Teams, Business Fundamentals for Technical Leaders, and Project Management Basics.
Earn the Leading Through Innovation Series badge by successfully completing: Leading Technical Teams, Business Fundamentals for Technical Leaders, Designing for Innovation, and Patents for Innovation.
Courses in both series are offered periodically throughout the year. For any questions regarding these opportunities, please contact: microcredentials@engr.psu.edu.