Geneva School of Economics and Management Geneva School of Economics and Management

Today’s business environment is characterized through hyper-competitive markets that constantly challenge an organization’s functioning. Within the past 10 years, firms twice experienced conditions of turbulent market environments indicated through the bursting of the dot-com bubble in 2000-01 and the sub-prime crisis in late 2008. These economic conditions have increased the complexity of today’s business environment and unambiguously underline the importance of knowing how to deal with environmental changes, difficult business situations, and corporate growth. Managing such conditions consists of multiple organizational challenges and implies that firms must constantly adapt to evolving market environment. This course aims at developing an understanding on how to behave and manage such situations. It familiarizes participants with how to manage change under situations of corporate crisis, global competition and environmental change.

The 1st part of the course (Influencing with Emotional Intelligence) strives to help students engage more effectively in the workplace by improving their emotional intelligence. Cutting-edge research will be presented to help students better understand how emotions function and how they come to bear on managerial behavior and decision-making. While theoretical models will be presented, the emphasis in this course will be on providing the practical tools necessary to improve students' ability to influence others (clients, peers, subordinates and bosses), while managing their own emotions more effectively.

The 2nd part of the module (Coaching) is an introduction to the topic of coaching and how this skill can support you when leading and inspiring people and teams.

Analysis: This course aims at giving participants an overview of the specific organizational forms, tools and behavioural skills required to lead projects with a stakeholder orientation. At the end of the course, participants will understand the specificities of projects and know some tools, principles and tricks to successfully face these peculiarities. Furthermore, they will learn some frameworks to map stakeholders and foster their inclusion in projects.

Communication: This module aims to provide a structured approach to communications, so that it can be applied in any organisation, small or large. It provides a basis on which to build communications knowledge and practice, which can then be expanded through implementation in the workplace.  While everyone communicates on a daily basis, as a discipline communications requires an in-depth knowledge of the company and its strategies, an understanding of internal and external stakeholders, a grasp of processes, products and markets. The module therefore presents a methodological approach and a toolkit to plan and implement a communications strategy, whatever the size of the organisation.

Cultural Intelligence: The global economy presents many opportunities and challenges for businesses and their leaders. Senior executives need to develop a repertoire of strategic leadership capabilities to remain effective and manage stakeholders. One of the most important capabilities needed is cultural intelligence (CQ) – the ability to function effectively across a variety of cultural contexts. This course will equip participants with a working understanding of Cultural intelligence (CQ) and its relevance to their industry and organization.

The 1st part of the module (Negotiation) provides practical tools ready for immediate professional application. It allows the distance and mastery necessary for conducting all types of negotiations, whether these are external or internal, or whether they apply to commercial, managerial or social activities. It is addressed to all those who are called on to buy, sell, solve disputes, build teams, induce change. In short, this course is meant for all those who know what they want and who give themselves the means to get it.

The 2nd part of the module (Effective Communication) concerns Public speaking. The mere thought of it can set hearts pounding! And yet, being able to communicate one’s ideas in public is an important and sought-after skill. Communicating effectively is not only a matter of having good ideas but also having the ability to engage people. Business managers, senior executives and entrepreneurs are called on regularly to make presentations to colleagues, clients and the general public. The goal of this course is to familiarize the students with key public speaking.

This module focusing on Engaging Through Caring and Fair Leadership addresses the following challenges:

• 65% of employees say they would take a new boss over a pay raise. This is the proof of a serious leadership problem
• Many new employees start their job with a high level of motivation. It usually does not take too long for their motivation to significantly drop. What should it take to keep them motivated?
• According to a study by Price Waterhouse Coopers, employees who are engaged in their work provide up to 35% increased productivity and profitability. How can we reach such a level of commitment and motivation in order to achieve excellence?
• Using power and traditional authority to manage teams cannot deliver such results, particularly with Generation Y employee who want to be lead and inspired rather than being managed. What is expected of today’s and tomorrow’s leaders?
• In a highly competitive environment where business models are being challenged and where everything moves very fast managing with systems and process prevents organizations from being agile enough to cope or even anticipate. What kind of leadership can maximize agility?