Spending a few years with extremely disenfranchised communities can make one question their own worth and importance in the larger ecosystem. After witnessing people live in exceedingly harsh, almost inhumane conditions, it is natural that one’s focus may shift from their own thoughts and hardships to that of others. While it is important and desirable to be empathetic to others, it is equally important to be aware and empathetic towards oneself. This module helps fellows in recognizing and embracing their own strengths and needs and work on developing that comfort with self that allows one to find and deliver value in any space and environment.

The value of ideas lies in the ability to convince others to implement them. This module introduces skills for pitching ideas convincingly to varied audiences like friends, bosses or investors. It covers the key questions fellows must ask themselves about their idea to establish its feasibility. Techniques for seeding thoughts into others’ minds and making them stakeholders in the idea’s success are explored. The importance of listening to different perspectives to win people over is also highlighted.

While influencing individual outcomes is easier, greater impact comes from leveraging the power of collectives. This module focuses on the creation and evolution of groups, and how individual interactions affect group norms. It aims to help fellows committed to larger causes master the art and science of harnessing the power of groups.

Out of the numerous problems observed in professional ecosystems, this module guides fellows on identifying which ones are truly worth solving. It covers the critical questions to ask before deciding to solve a problem. This module also focuses on frameworks for converting problem diagnosis into real-life interventions that provide solutions. fellows learn to flesh out ideas through effective research and execute that research into fruitful action.

Effective communication is crucial to enhance performance, both personally and professionally. It includes ways in which people give and receive information in non-verbal, verbal and written formats. It also includes how people make meaning of this information and how they use it. Leading a team, giving a presentation, sitting for an interview, writing that important email- all these require communication skills. Finally, good communication ultimately boils down to engaged listening. In this course we will study the key concepts of effective, professional communication-both written and verbal.

In the data-driven 21st century, being comfortable with data and deriving insights from it is essential in the development sector. This module aims to build comfort with basic data handling tools among fellows. It also introduces techniques for impactful presentations to share data-driven insights accessibly.

The objective of this course is to help the fellows to look at networking as meaningful relationship building that can enhance their ability and opportunity to make a difference. Fellows will learn the art of cultivating lasting and meaningful relationships that how to foster authentic connections that endure across ages, sectors, and geographies. Fellows will gain valuable strategies and techniques to navigate the complexities of modern networking.

Reflecting on actions and deriving insights for subsequent steps is key to continuous learning. This module underscores the importance of self-reflection and provides guidance on pertinent self-reflective questions. The aim is to help participants gain insights that can help fulfill their life missions through a periodic reflection-action loop.

Development practitioners often work in complex, diverse, and dynamic environments. Strong leadership skills are essential to effectively guide teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive projects towards successful outcomes. fellows will explore key topics such as conflict resolution, decision-making, team building, and ethical leadership. The course emphasizes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, empowering fellows to navigate challenges, inspire teams, and drive positive change within their organizations.

Reflecting on actions and deriving insights for subsequent steps is key to continuous learning. This module underscores the importance of self-reflection and provides guidance on pertinent self-reflective questions. The aim is to help fellows gain insights that can help fulfill their life missions through a periodic reflection-action loop.