Tools and strategies for leading with integrity, managing high-stakes dialogue, and influencing others constructively.
Social Intelligence 2: Social Leadership
This is a Level 1 course from Personal Development, part of the Open Bachelor’s programme. It is worth 6 ECTS and takes place in Term 2 in Lisbon.
Course Summary
How do you use communication to have a positive influence in diverse social environments? This course explores how ethical influence, cultural awareness, and skilled dialogue can drive positive change in personal and professional contexts. You’ll learn to lead difficult conversations, negotiate with purpose, and communicate across differences with respect and insight. Through practical work in public speaking, storytelling, and adaptive communication, you’ll develop the tools to engage diverse audiences and shape inclusive cultures. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to lead with clarity, navigate complexity, and connect meaningfully across boundaries.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
| Description | Mapped to Human Intelligence | |
|---|---|---|
| CLO 1 | Demonstrate skilled leadership and negotiation in having difficult conversations and ethically influence others to drive positive change. | SEI6 – Influence & Negotiation |
| CLO 2 | Demonstrate an understanding of identity and belonging in engaging with individuals from various backgrounds respectfully to analyse and influence culture. | SEI4 – Connection |
| CLO 3 | Communicate effectively through public speaking, storytelling and adapting communication style (verbal and non-verbal) to suit the audience. | SEI3 – Effective Communication |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Weighting of Course Grade | Group Assessment? | Invigilated? | CLOs Mapped | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Quiz | 20% | No | Yes | 1,2,3 |
| Assessment 2 | Practical | 40% | Yes | Yes | 1,2,3 |
| Assessment 3 | Written – Reflection | 40% | No | No | 1,2,3 |
- Assessment 1 Description: This short quiz assesses students’ understanding of the key concepts underpinning ethical influence, cultural identity, and adaptive communication. They will demonstrate foundational knowledge through multiple choice and scenario-based questions that introduce the building blocks for leading difficult conversations and engaging respectfully across differences.
- Assessment 2 Description: In this live group situation, students take part in a structured dialogue where leadership, negotiation, and cultural sensitivity are essential. Real-world challenges test their ability to lead difficult conversations, adapt their communication style to different audiences, and ethically influence outcomes in diverse settings.
- Assessment 3 Description: This reflective essay invites students to analyse how their communication skills, cultural awareness, and leadership have evolved over the course. They will draw on personal experiences, course tools, and theory to explore how they have influenced others ethically, engaged across identities, and adapted their style to connect more effectively
Indicative List
of Topics
Understanding negotiation styles, ethical persuasion techniques, and power dynamics in communication.
Exploring how identity shapes experience and interaction, and how to communicate across differences with respect and curiosity.
Developing verbal and non-verbal techniques to tailor messaging to different audiences, contexts, and cultural norms.
Using narrative tools and confident delivery to inspire, persuade, and connect with diverse groups.
