This course introduces ambassadors to the principles of relational leadership in peer-based communities within academic contexts. It explores how ambassadors can exercise leadership and influence without formal authority, build trust and legitimacy among peers, and navigate informal power dynamics that shape participation in academic environments. Through reflection and applied exercises, ambassadors will examine the responsibilities and challenges associated with peer leadership, learn and practice fundamental skills to exercise influence, and consider strategies for fostering inclusive and collaborative peer communities.
The course aims to develop participants’ understanding of relational leadership in peer-based communities and strengthen their capacity to exercise influence responsibly, build trust among peers, and navigate power dynamics within academic environments.
Analyze the key principles of relational leadership in peer-based communities.
Assess sources of legitimacy and trust in non-hierarchical peer environments.
Analyze informal power dynamics and invisible hierarchies in academic peer groups.
Evaluate strategies for promoting inclusive participation in peer communities.
Analyze common leadership challenges in peer-based groups, and propose responses to situations such as disengagement or resistance.
Evaluate ethical responsibilities and boundaries when exercising influence among peers.
This module provides a general overview of the following course, and introduces participants to the foundations of leadership, based on the Relational leadership theory. It also introduces participants to the roles and responsibilities of peerpower ambassadors in peer communities.
After the completion of this module the participants will be able to:
differentiate between formal and informal leadership
analyze the key principles of relational leadership
analyze responsibilities of peerpower ambassadors
This module delves into how to build legitimacy and exercise influence effectively within peer-based communities, where formal authority is often absent. Participants will explore the sources of legitimacy and trust, learn to apply role modeling as a strategy for influence, and develop effective communication and feedback skills. The module also addresses ethical considerations in peer leadership and navigating informal power dynamics to foster inclusive and collaborative environments.
Upon completing this module, participants will be able to:
Explain how legitimacy emerges without formal authority.
Identify key mechanisms for building trust in peer communities.
Apply role modeling as an effective strategy for influence.
Utilize effective communication and feedback practices in peer interactions.
Reflect on and navigate ethical boundaries in peer leadership.
This module, "Power Dynamics," explores the multifaceted nature of power within peer communities. It delves into how power is relational and emerges through interaction, identifying informal sources such as expertise, seniority, and communication style.
The module also examines risks in collective decision-making, such as false consensus and the exclusion of minority views, emphasizing that responsible leadership requires making power visible and equitable.
Upon completing this module, participants will be able to:
Identify informal sources of power and detect invisible hierarchies within peer communities.
Analyze participation inequalities and apply inclusion strategies to promote equitable engagement.
Reflect on their personal positioning and responsibility in navigating power dynamics.
In this module, participants will consolidate their understanding of how to build leadership in peer communities, and how to exercise legitimacy, influence and trust. In this module participants will also be able to reflect on responsibilities and challenges that arise when exercising power in peer communities.
By the end of module 4, participants wil be able to synthesize the core components of leadership in peer communities and critically evaluate their role and responsibility as PeerPower Ambassadors.
Scenario-based assessment for PeerPower Ambassadors. Learners will analyze realistic peer-community situations and propose responses that demonstrate relational leadership, inclusive participation, responsible influence, and ethical decision-making without formal authority.
Relational leadership in peer-based communities: building legitimacy and trust, navigating informal power dynamics, promoting inclusive participation, and acting ethically without formal authority.