Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/uva-darden-giving-voice-to-values
In today’s complex professional landscape, the ability to navigate ethical dilemmas and act on one’s values is paramount. Coursera’s “Ethical Leadership Through Giving Voice to Values” course offers a powerful and practical approach to developing this crucial skill. Unlike traditional ethics courses that focus on persuasion, this program, rooted in the Giving Voice to Values (GVV) methodology, empowers individuals to effectively voice and act on their values, even in challenging situations.
The course is structured into four insightful modules, each building upon the last to create a comprehensive toolkit for values-driven leadership. Week one introduces the core concepts of GVV, using real-life examples like “The Client That Fell Through the Cracks” to illustrate values conflicts and how GVV provides a framework for addressing them. It delves into the research behind GVV, emphasizing the development of “moral muscle memory” and highlighting how it differs from conventional ethics training. The module also explores the foundational “seven pillars” of GVV, with a particular focus on “Values” and “Purpose,” encouraging learners to ask, “What if I was going to act on my values—what would I say and do?”
Week two shifts the focus to self-reflection, prompting participants to analyze their own successes and failures in voicing values. By examining pillars like “Choice,” “Normalization,” and “Self-Knowledge and Alignment,” the course teaches that we often have more options than we realize and that values conflicts are a normal part of life. Understanding how to leverage personal strengths and preferences for values expression is a key takeaway.
Building on this self-awareness, week three equips learners with practical tools for action. It explores the “Voice” pillar, encouraging the development of varied communication strategies, and the “Reasons and Rationalizations” pillar, which helps anticipate and prepare responses to potential objections. The module also addresses organizational dynamics, recognizing that effective values-driven action can be achieved at all levels.
Finally, week four consolidates the learning by addressing broader challenges and opportunities in values-driven leadership. It revisits the core lessons and features insights from practitioners in business, higher education, and the military who have implemented GVV. The ultimate goal is to create an individualized GVV Implementation Plan, making the skills learned directly applicable to one’s professional and personal life.
“Ethical Leadership Through Giving Voice to Values” is a highly recommended course for anyone looking to enhance their ethical decision-making and leadership capabilities. Its action-oriented approach, practical tools, and focus on personal empowerment make it an invaluable resource for navigating the complexities of modern work and life.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/uva-darden-giving-voice-to-values