“Inspirational leaders need to have a winning mentality in order to inspire respect. It is hard to trust in the leadership of someone who is half-hearted about their purpose, or only sporadic in focus or enthusiasm.” Sebastian Coe
As you prepare to lead your own life and influence others, we invite you to explore various leadership styles, particularly Positive Leadership. This model, based in psychology, ethics, and organizational behavior, emphasizes strengths, purpose, and wellbeing. Through a blend of theory, workshops, visits to inspiring spaces, and real-world case studies, you will investigate how successful leaders cultivate resilience, adaptability, and compassion in the face of 21st-century challenges. This class is based on one of Harvard’s most famous courses - The Psychology of Leadership - and is designed to equip you with the mindset and skills needed to lead with confidence and care in our ever-changing landscape.
max. 18 participants
Participants will receive 6 ECTS credit points and a certificate if they attend regularly (at least 80% attendance) and participate actively. Additionally, six weeks after the end of the course a Transcript of Records is issued by Humboldt-Universität.
This introductory course explores the principles and practices of positive leadership. This model is grounded in psychology, positive psychology, ethics, and organizational behavior, emphasizing strengths, purpose, and wellbeing.
Throughout the course, students will participate in both theoretical and practical activities. By examining the case studies of successful leaders, a method used at Harvard University, students will identify leaders’ strengths, worldviews, and overall leadership approaches that contributed to their success. The 21st century and its unprecedented conditions demand unique strategies. There is an increased need for resilient, adaptable, yet conscious and compassionate leaders. This course equips learners with the skills necessary to thrive in this ever-changing landscape.
ScheduleThe courses are grouped into different time tracks.Your course will take place in Track C.
Cultural activitiesYou are welcome to join our cultural program with an excellent selection of excursions, sports activities, and social gatherings. It is the perfect setting for getting to know each other and for experiencing the varous facets of Berlin. There are no additional costs for participation in the activities.
Activities and tours we offer regularly: Federal Chancellery, German Parliament, House of Representatives, Topography of Terror, Political Archive, Museum Island, Kreuzberg Tour, Daytrip to Potsdam, Exhibitions…
Undergraduate students of all subjects with an interest in German social sciences, politics, economy, and history.
This course is taught in English, including readings in English. For the understanding of the texts and the discussions in class a language level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is required.
The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
Blenda Batista is an Adjunct Professor at the Doctoral Program in Happiness Studies alongside former Harvard Professor Tal Ben-Shahar, Centenary University, New Jersey, U.S. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Human Ecology and Positive Psychology at the University NOVA of Lisbon, focusing on measuring happiness among remote workers and assisting companies in promoting employee wellbeing. She is a graduate teacher from the University of Brasília, Brazil. She holds a specialization in Positive Psychology from the Happiness Studies Academy and a Master's degree in the Science of Education from the State University of New York, U.S. In 2023, Blenda was awarded the best interdisciplinary project at the EUTOPIA Summer Doctoral School for the project 'Cyber Wellness', an initiative that combines education, technology and wellbeing.
With over 15 years of experience as an international educator, Blenda has conducted training sessions in various countries, including Israel, Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Germany, and the United States. She also co-founded three startups, the first one, Alikia, on holistic nutrition, was part of the 25 most innovative companies in Brasília, Brazil, in 2015.
Blenda's mission is to help elevate the levels of wellbeing in our society through excellence in education, knowledge and content creation. She will be delighted to embark on this learning journey with you.
