Subject description

Creativity is an essential skill in today's rapidly changing and complex world. It allows us to solve problems, generate new ideas, and innovate in our personal and professional lives. In particular, creativity is critical to addressing the urgent sustainability challenges we face, from climate change to social justice. This five-session course on “Creative Thinking” aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of creativity and its applications in personal and professional contexts. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants will learn the tools, techniques, and methodologies for generating, refining, and selecting sustainable solutions to complex problems.

Learning objectives

Work with some different theories of creativity and models of the creative process and how they can be used to drive innovation and positive change.

Develop strategies for unblocking creativity and overcoming creative blocks. Identify and apply techniques for generating ideas through divergent and convergent thinking.

Develop the ability to reflect on personal experiences and learning related to creativity.

Practice the principles of design thinking and how they can be used to generate creative solutions, particularly with other people.

Explore the importance of creating a creative culture, including the use of rituals and other techniques.

Apply the different techniques and strategies learned in the course to real-world problems and challenges with a focus on sustainability both individually and in teams.

Understand the relationship between creativity and sustainability, and how creative thinking can be used to address complex ESG problems.

Understand the importance of story in understanding, envisioning, and communicating complex environmental problems and inspiring positive change.

Explore circular economy and circular design using the Butterfly Model.

Explore how human-centricity and systems thinking is fundamental to understanding and creating solutions for People, Planet, and Profit.

Subject description

Critical Thinking is an essential virtue of a successful business leader. Leaders must often make decisions in high-stakes situations where rules are conflicting or underdeveloped and stakeholders disagree about acceptable or optimal courses of action. Cultivating skills of critical thinking to mitigate misinformation and overcome human and technological biases helps leaders make decisions effectively, in ways they can justify both to themselves and to their stakeholders.

This course, developed in collaboration with the Unesco Chair in AI Ethics and Governance at the IE School of Humanities, sharpens critical thinking competencies by focusing in particular on the on the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. AI confronts managers with questions about the role of business in addressing the social impact of new technologies, how to forecast and mitigate risks of harm, how to assess the quality of data and information, and how to innovate responsibly. The lessons from exploring these challenges are portable to numerous other domains.

Learning objectives

Understand the concept of critical thinking, common barriers to critical thinking, and habits of good reasoning. × Be able to clearly and carefully analyze the necessary steps for programming an AI algorithm and realize the possible pitfalls and traps. × Understand uses and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence in business contexts. Feel at an emotional level the importance and impact of not taking a measured and careful approach to AI development and deployment. × Assess alternative strategies for managing ethical dilemmas in business and approaches to responsible innovation. ×

Subject description

The Data Fluency course is part of the Digital skills category of IE's Impact Skill Accelerator initiative. This workshop is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate a business world increasingly driven by data.

Data lies at the core of unlocking opportunity, in both our personal and our professional lives. Although the human touch is still a necessary piece, we are evermore driven by data to guide our decisions, improve processes and ultimately unlock value. Data fluency is the ability to not only comprehend data and garner insights, but also communicate data findings in an effective manner and apply learnings to real-life. Being data fluent empowers you for the future of business, being able to apply data to problem solving within business cases.

This course will provide future managers with the basic knowledge to get the most of data, with a particular focus on ‘the last mile’ of data insights delivery through data visualization and data storytelling via hands-on practice with a well known data visualization tool.

Learning objectives

Increase familiarity with the importance of data today, specifically in business settings. × Gain understanding of the various stages in the data lifecycle that are required to generate value. × Learn to create effective data visualizations that communicate insights and trends within data. × Develop an ability to identify and challenge the way that data is displayed. × Hone skills in the use of a well known data visualization tool (Tableau, etc.) to analyze, explore and visualize data hands-on. × Learn the art of data storytelling as a means to communicate complex data insights in a digestible manner. ×

Subject description

Negotiation is a relevant component for educating individuals, especially those who will be the elites representing different powers and business organizations. Education is, among other things, ethical education: meaning, the one that helps to build the intellectual consistency and solidity of people's values. In elite learning, it is strategic that future leaders not only learn to negotiate methodologically, being loyal to the interests they represent, but also understand that their work has a high impact on their personal and organizational environment. Being able to negotiate well should be everyone's aspiration. In an advanced society, with wide access to information and culture, citizens should be educated to face the opinions or motivations of others with the respect and curiosity of those who know their objectives and know how to negotiate to achieve them. In addition, this curiosity and respect, together with the ability to build the best possible solutions for both of them, opens the minds of negotiators to creativity and mutual enrichment. Open societies and organizations seek and organize their own change and transformation in order to survive, while closed ones are outdated due to their inability to survive a changing environment. Learning Negotiation will be focused on the why and how of that open mindset. Negotiation is, therefore, an ethical option that rejects coercive methods and the belief that not only the result matters, but also the process must be considered. When negotiating, in addition to reaching better agreements, negotiators consolidate processes that, through the creation of value and the construction of solid relationships, will establish facilitative channels for the resolution of future conflicts.

Consequently, a good negotiation implies the rational and deliberate application of a method that structures and provides strength and power to the negotiating process. In this course we will work withing a methodological framework that makes the task oriented to results as efficient as possible and that optimizes the possibilities of mutual knowledge, value creation, and ethical and personal growth in the negotiating table. This framework defines and establishes the conditions that make it possible for negotiators to extract the maximum value from the negotiation, based on a key premise: the rules, the relationship and the outcome of the negotiation are not fixed in advance, but depend on the negotiating interaction. In this way, we move away from “zero sum” games, and approach the conditions that maximize joint profit. Finally, we want to highlight the communicative dimension that complements and reinforces this methodological framework. We cannot forget that negotiation is "a process of interaction in which the parties involved, combining mechanisms of influence and persuasion, seek to reach an adequate agreement that equitably satisfies their respective interests." The achievement of effective and sustainable results does not happen through the use of an excessive exercise of power, but through a deliberate work of strategy, emotional control, self-affirmation, persuasion, and creativity in the process. For this reason, now more than ever, it is necessary for leaders to be expert negotiators who know how to influence and guide the actions of others towards the intended goals, using their authority smartly, but not coercively relying on it. This intelligent influence and subordinated to a good purpose, is what characterizes the negotiating activity. By the end of the course, participants will have understood the keys to any negotiation process: how to structure and prepare it, how to achieve their own objectives more effectively and how to build sustainable agreements and alliances that last over time, paying special attention to the complexity of the negotiation process in a business context and the preservation of personal interrelations.

Learning objectives

This course aims to increase the negotiating efficiency of the participants and their ability to manage power and influence others.

Internalize the key aspects of the negotiation process, with all its implications.

Learn to prepare a negotiation, achieve your own objectives more effectively, take care of the relationship during the negotiation process, and build and reach agreements that are stable and lasting.

Pay special attention to both the verbal and non-verbal elements of communication and persuasion.

Manage power and build alliances within any organization that aspires to continuous improvement and adaptation to change.

Work on the processes of influence from an ethical point of view to take into account not only our motivations but also those of the affected parties. Also, be attentive to the outcome from the point of view of the external impact and the decisions taken during the negotiation process.

This course aims to increase the negotiating efficiency of the participants and their ability to manage power and influence others. Internalize the key aspects of the negotiation process, with all its implications. Learn to prepare a negotiation, achieve your own objectives more effectively, take care of the relationship during the negotiation process, and build and reach agreements that are stable and lasting. Pay special attention to both the verbal and non-verbal elements of communication and persuasion. Manage power and build alliances within any organization that aspires to continuous improvement and adaptation to change. Work on the processes of influence from an ethical point of view to take into account not only our motivations but also those of the affected parties. Also, be attentive to the outcome from the point of view of the external impact and the decisions taken during the negotiation process.

Subject description

Problem-solving is a crucial "Impact Skill" that enables individuals and organizations to address business challenges with distinction and efficiency, leading to superior outcomes and enhanced decision-making. This course equips students with the skills to identify and qualify business problems, develop structured analytical frameworks, explore creative yet feasible alternatives, establish sound reasoning for selecting optimal solutions, and effectively communicate these solutions to stakeholders. From the diverse range of business problem-solving approaches available, we've selected the Seven Steps Methodology as our core framework for this course. Effective business problem-solving demands critical thinking, vision, creativity, and collaboration. Market-leading organizations increasingly recognize the competitive advantage provided by teams with strong problem-solving capabilities, and recruiters actively seek candidates who demonstrate these skills—often incorporating problem-solving cases into their selection processes. Strategic decision-making frequently occurs under time pressure and with limited information. In today's environment, where information overload paradoxically exists alongside critical data gaps, decision-makers must prioritize essential information and employ systematic methodologies to filter data intelligently. While artificial intelligence can execute tasks with speed and accuracy, it still has limitations in creative thinking and strategic decision-making. Human judgment, creative solutions, adaptability, empathy, and interpersonal skills remain essential components of effective problem-solving. The good news? Business problem-solving skills can be developed and refined through practice—which is precisely what this course offers. We focus on building impactful problem-solving capabilities that can be applied immediately to business case assessment and analysis, igniting value creation from the outset.

Learning objectives

Understand problem fundamentals: Explore different problem types, their characteristics, and common obstacles to effective problem-solving. Develop critical and practical thinking: Learn to analyze problems, break them down into manageable components, evaluate potential solutions, and identify biases and assumptions that may influence your problem-solving process.

Master the Seven Steps methodology: Learn and practice using this powerful problem-solving framework.

Apply skills to real-world scenarios: Each session will feature different case studies where you'll apply your problem-solving skills following the Seven Steps methodology.

Harness collective intelligence: Discover the value of collaborative thinking by working in groups to develop optimal solutions for case studies.

Reflect and improve: Learn to evaluate your problem-solving process, identify areas for enhancement, and develop strategies to strengthen your skills over time.

Subject description

Project Management course is part of IE's Impact Skill Accelerator, fundamental element of IE students’ management skills development.

Project work plays a crucial role in contemporary organizational life, making project management a critical part of the managerial agenda. Organizational efforts of all sorts and all levels of importance are managed as projects. Examples range from new product/service development to technology implementation and from marketing campaigns to mergers and acquisitions.

Two different paradigms prevail in today's project management discipline. They are often referred to as the classic and the agile methodologies. Despite the connotations in favor of the latter– and the vibrant best-practice hype around it – in reality, each methodology has its own distinct strengths and limitations. It is therefore essential that managers know both methodologies and are able to choose the best-fitting practices for any given situation.

The overall objective of this course is to provide as much of a hands-on experience as possible in a classroom setting in the planning and control of projects of different types.

Learning objectives

Understand that different types of projects require different managerial approaches, some are best managed using agile methods while others benefit from the classic methodology. × Learn how to manage a project using the agile Scrum methodology. × Learn how to manage a project using the classic methodology that involves a work breakdown structure, Gantt chart, software-assisted resource management, activity-based budgeting, and the earned value management method of project × progress monitoring. Understand the distinct advantages and limitations of both the agile and the classic methods of project management. × In terms of social sustainability, a particular challenge in project management is to mitigate uncertainty-induced stress and overburdening among the project team members and other stakeholders. This workshop will contribute to a greater × awareness of these challenges and the ways to address them. In terms of environmental sustainability, the skills learned in this workshop will contribute towards efficient use of resources and minimization of waste. Effective project management minimizes scrap and rework, which constitute a major × source of waste in many project work environments.

Subject description

What you say, how you say it, and how you make it relevant to the audience, can turn an idea into a power horse. And many ideas are dumped daily because their originators do not present them in a dynamic and convincing way. Public speaking and storytelling skills rank among the most practical for managers and entrepreneurs: nothing will give you a more immediate competitive edge than the ability to communicate to a group in a fluent and confident manner. This course equips students with the means to speak to any audience, including the delivery of messages in the irresistible format which constitute stories.

Learning objectives

Persuasion is at the heart of rhetoric. This course gives students the tools to convince the audience if sustainability is the goal. × Know strategies and tools to become a more confident, dynamic, and persuasive presenter. × Learn to organize your content to deliver a simple message in an easy-to-follow structure. × Learn how to use your gestures to communicate better. × Learn how to use your voice to maintain attention. × Dominate your nerves and learn to use them to your advantage. × Learn how to effectively use slideware like PowerPoint or Canva. × Find out how to answer questions with confidence. × Know why stories work to persuade audiences. × Learn ways to come up with personal stories. × Discover the story arc and how to structure stories. ×

Subject description

The Self-Transformation workshop is part of the Behavioral skills category of IE's Impact Skill Accelerator focusing on self-transformation and self-discovery. The objective of the workshop is to create a safe space that will allow students to embark on a self-transformation journey through self-reflection, collective learning, and personal growth. We will focus on a greater appreciation for what makes us unique (our values, character strengths and working style) and leverage this learning to consider our connection, engagement, and collaboration with others. This course will foster a growth mindset of continuous self-development to overcome challenges and to build resilience.

At the end of this Self-Transformation workshop, students will gain a deeper sense of self-awareness, building a basis for their self-transformation during the master’s program.

Learning objectives

Greater appreciation of the holistic self. × Deeper awareness of values, strengths and working style. × Consideration of our values, beliefs, assumptions and expectations and their interconnections with our emotions and behavior. × Self-transformation and sustainability are closely linked, as personal growth and change can lead to more sustainable energy, sustainable behaviors, × sustainable performance, and a more sustainable society.

Subject description

High Performance Teambuilding I (HPT) course is part of IE's Impact Skill Accelerator fundamental element of IE students’ management skills development.

Many organizations are replacing the traditional pyramidal and hierarchical structures for other more horizontal and flatter organizational forms. In these new structures, teams are the principal axis around which most organizational processes are designed. Turning a group of people into a well performing team is not easy. Even in the best of scenarios, numerous challenges must be overcome. This course is designed to elevate awareness as to our own preferences and to provide practice for running successfully high-performance teams able to implement self-healing strategies to address main common dysfunctions. We will put the focus in cultivating the “we” in our Next Best You journey to maintain team performance in the face of challenges and build diverse and inclusive teams.

Learning objectives

Consider the importance of the right fit among individual members of the HPT, and between every individual member and the HPT as a whole. × Review all the possible dysfunctions that a HPT may encounter during the process of becoming so (absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of clarity, avoidance of accountability, inattention to results) and embrace possible conflict situations as × substrate for learning. Use conceptual models, instruments, and techniques to work through team problems helping HPT to heal and compensate those potential dysfunctions. × Every objective of this workshop has a sustainable dimension in the sense that contributing to build healthy and empowered HPT is one of the best ways to contribute to healthy employees and organizations. By doing that make all of them × more social, conscious, and sustainable. Prepare and deliver a Group Development Plan based on the contents and dynamics of this workshop, more specifically “The five frequent dysfunctions in a team” by Lencioni, and “The Belbin questionnaire”. × Commitment and involvement of students with the contents and dynamics of the course. ×

Subject description

High Performance Teambuilding II (HPT) course is part of IE's Impact Skill Accelerator fundamental element of IE students’ management skills development.

Feedback is a key tool in the development of people in organizations and work teams. Effective feedback allows us to exponentially increase the performance of our collaborators and their commitment. In this course we will focus on cultivating feedback as a key tool of interpersonal communication to promote the process of continuous improvement of people in their teams and organizations. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of these three elements: assessment, feedback, and development for the harmonious evolution of a high-performance team.

Learning objectives

Exposure to a 360° evaluation process × Appreciate the nature and purpose of feedback as a tool for the development of individuals and teams. × Practice the art of good interpersonal communication, with special emphasis on learning to give and receive constructive feedback. × Manage reactions to feedback. × Promote feedback culture in organizations and teams. × To become familiar at a basic level with the fundamentals of building personal and team development plans. × Prepare and deliver a Group Development Plan based on the contents and dynamics of this workshop, more specifically “The IE 360 ISAQ questionnaire” × and the feedback process taking place within each team.