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Contrary to what some may think, being a leader in a corporation, an industry, or other organizations does not mean that one flies around in a private jet with soft leather seats --- remember the scene from the movie, Enron, where Ken Lay is picking out the upholstery for the seats on his private jet while the company and its millions of stakeholders were crashing and burning around him; nor does wearing a $1,000 suit, sitting at the head of a Honduran mahogany conference table, or occupying the corner office in the tower of prime real estate. To be a leader requires an inner disposition that is not simply given by nature, but is the result of choices, skills, and behaviors that are nurtured through a process of self-reflection, soul-searching, and a humbling attempt to serve the organization that one is permitted to lead.

This course will take its students on that inner quest --- in Socratic language "to know thyself." This course will help students become aware of the demands and qualities that make great leaders and attempt to show the students a variety of paths to emulate them. It will take as its theme "the virtues and demands of leadership" (actions based upon sound values) and provide some self-reflective opportunities for students to determine the range of virtues they possess and give direction to the development of those virtues for their own betterment and the improvement of those whom they serve. There are a number of readings that will propel the students to understand that leadership is best when it follows a set of principles that provide guidance for the leader and direction for members of the organization.

Taking this course in an on-line environment will provide students with the opportunity to engage in teamwork activities --- an important goal of the MBA program --- through the use of electronic technology. Further developing skills in the use of electronic technology is a major advantage in the contemporary workplace.

There are some similarities between this course and MBA 652 - Social Responsibility and Ethical Dimensions of Management. Since both courses focus on ethical values and practices, there is bound to be an occasional overlap, such as establishing an understanding of the ethical tools needed to ground ethical behavior. However, MBA 652 is more directed to situations in the workplace and the marketplace where conflicts often arise, whereas MBA 659 focuses on the qualities and behaviors that distinguish leaders in the corporate community. Managers are supposed to solve problems, leaders are supposed to give direction and vision. Thus, a manager is not necessarily a leader, but a leader certainly possesses managerial skills.

The choice of the best course for the MBA student depends on the professional ambitions and aspirations that direct the student in his/her academic career.