Leadership and Strategy in the 21st Century
Chair for Strategy & Organization – TUM School of Management
Instructor: Prof. Alexandra Borchardt, PhD
📌 Course Overview
This course explores what it means to lead and manage effectively in a rapidly changing world shaped by technological disruption, global crises, and evolving expectations toward leadership.
Students will learn key theories, practical tools, and modern leadership principles across three thematic sessions:
- Leading Disruption
- Leading Change
- Leading People
The course combines theory, discussion, and hands-on reflection.
💬 Class Discussion Insights
During the kick-off, students reflecte on leadership experiences that shaped their views.
Positive Leadership Behaviors
- Encouraging open communication & valuing opinions (including junior staff)
- Giving guidance and clear direction
- Demonstrating trust
- Communicating on eye level
- Establishing and following clear processes
- Being supportive and empathetic
- Strong communication skills
Negative Leadership Behaviors
- Failing to communicate expectations
- Absence during critical onboarding periods
- Micromanagement and lack of trust
- Dismissing younger employees’ perspectives
- High technical expertise but low leadership competence
- Resistance to leadership development
📚 Literature Recommendations
Required Books
- Clayton Christensen – The Innovator’s Dilemma (1997)
- John Kotter – Leading Change (1996)
- Amy Edmondson – The Fearless Organization (2019)
Recommended Books
- Herminia Ibarra – Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader
- Daniel Coyle – The Culture Code
- Erin Meyer – The Culture Map
- Reeves & Fuller – The Imagination Machine
- Aaker & Bagdonas – Humor, Seriously
- Gianpiero Petriglieri – The Psychology Behind Effective Crisis Leadership (HBR, 2020)
📨 Contact
For questions or support:
Prof. Alexandra Borchardt
📧 mail(at)alexandraborchardt.com