Spring 2022 OPDI Courses Now Open for Enrollment
Featured Course: OPDI-117: Developing Strategic Leadership in Dance and Life
Run Dates: February 14 – May 8, 2022
Professor: Jane Bonbright
Details: Tuition $520; 3 NDEO-Endorsed CEUs; 12 weeks
Registration Information - Register and Pay by 12/9/21 to Save 15% on Tuition using Discount Code: OPDI-Course-15
View All Spring 2022 Course Descriptions
This course looks at leadership as a complex process that has multiple dimensions. We begin with questioning: What is the role of ethics, integrity, and character in the leadership process? Is leadership more dependent on innate traits, skills and characteristics, or is it more learned behavior and strategy?
This course focuses on the latter – learned behavior that requires one formulate and execute strategy. In narrowing our focus to lead with strategic thinking, we examine four ways effective leaders gain insight, drive change, and get results. In this journey, we draw on aspects of cognitive psychology, systems thinking, and game theory to inform strategy – a truly fascinating concept. When we integrate formulating strategy with executing strategy and apply intent to those functions, leadership types emerge – visionary, directive, incubating, and collaborate. We examine these in detail looking at core and applied competencies associated with strategic leadership. Case studies allow us to deconstruct and reconstruct concepts learned; ultimately understanding how formulating and implementing strategic thinking is critical to effective and successful leadership. In each module, students apply course content to personal and professional situations through doing many self-reflective inventories to provide base-line information about their own innate or acquired abilities; and building a Learning Opportunity case study applying lesson learned. Indeed the course provides the dance educator and administrator with important and practical ways to develop critical skills sets, develop actionable approaches to solving problems, and capitalize on innate strengths.
Past Student Testimonials:
"This course was beyond my expectations, I received so much support and guidance. I did not expect to achieve so much towards my professional development. I have been on a hunt since my transition out of a performing career into my next career, I had a vague idea of what I wanted but now have a very clear idea of what I need to work towards, and all the steps broken down into small achievable tasks in order to reach my next career, potentially I feel this is my life’s purpose and so am thrilled to have it figured out and know how to get it done!— I could not have done this without all the support I received from this course, so I am eternally grateful for this!"
"It helped me feel prepared for an opportunity that presented itself during the actual course. I liked that Jane made herself available for any questions or concerns we had. I also thought it was great seeing and responding to others and their opportunities. Helped to connect and find out what others are doing in the field of dance."
"This course gave me time to think about the skills I have developed as a teacher and how to apply them more broadly. It gave me the opportunity to get honest with myself about my strengths and weaknesses and what I really need to do to be the type of leader that I want to be. It was a supportive and empowering course environment with the opportunity to apply lessons to real, personal examples."
Book required: Leading with Strategic Thinking: For Ways Effective Leaders Gain Insight, Drive Change, and Get Results by Aaron K. Olson & B. Keith Simerson (2015) Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 3 NDEO CEUs. Professor: Dr. Jane Bonbright
Question? Send email to opdi@ndeo.org