Leading with Character: a 30-day online course to cultivate leader character

Wang, W., Horning, M., Adewale, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7502-2875, Bidston, E., Cave, G., Chirinda, G., Fernández Espinosa, V., Flett, J., Granville-Chapman, K., Jan, L. T., Lee, M., Sarker, A. and Brooks, E. (2025) Leading with Character: a 30-day online course to cultivate leader character. Journal of Character and Leadership Development, 12 (1). pp. 39-49. ISSN 2372-9465 doi: 10.58315/jcld.v12.332

Abstract/Summary

This article introduces Leading with Character, an innovative online course designed to cultivate virtues of character as the foundation of effective and ethical leadership. Developed collaboratively by the Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford, the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, the Legatum Foundation, and leadership experts and educators from around the world, the course addresses the urgent need for leaders to cultivate virtues, such as purpose, courage, love, and hope in order to successfully navigate today’s complex challenges. The course is rooted in academic research in character and leadership development, combining academic rigor with practical application. It includes reflective exercises, real-world examples, and habit-forming practices through which participants develop the personal qualities and inner strength essential for leading positive change. The course is organized into four thematic modules, each focusing on a key leadership virtue. By blending theoretical insights with actionable exercises, the modules guide participants to reflect on personal values, enhance leadership qualities, and drive meaningful change in their communities. Leading with Character aspires to foster a global community of leaders dedicated to advancing the common good through character-based and purpose-driven leadership. By placing character at the heart of leadership development, the course offers a transformative framework that equips individuals to make a positive impact on their organizations and broader society.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/127441
Identification Number/DOI	10.58315/jcld.v12.332
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
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