Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, And Action by Harvard University
Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action is a unique course by Harvard University. It helps leaders enhance their skills through effective storytelling.
This 14-week online program is designed for senior leaders, community organizers, students, and leaders in various fields. The course teaches how to craft a public narrative, connect your story with the community, and inspire action. You will learn to analyze narrative roles in critical changes and use tools to empower others.
This course increases your capacity to lead using the public narrative framework. By the end, you will have the skills to communicate your values and inspire others. Learn more about this enriching course and how it can transform your leadership skills by visiting Harvard University’s course page.
Credit: pll.harvard.edu
Public Narrative
The Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action course by Harvard University is a profound online program. This course is designed to enhance your leadership skills through the art of public storytelling. Over 14 weeks, participants will learn to craft compelling narratives that inspire and motivate others.
Overview Of The Course
This 14-week online program runs from September 1 to December 19, 2025. It requires a time commitment of 8-12 hours per week. The course is instructor-led and is part of Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education offerings. It focuses on business leadership and is conducted entirely in English, with English video transcripts available.
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing the course. The course is categorized as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for those with some prior experience in leadership or public speaking.
| Duration | 14 weeks (September 1 – December 19, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 8 – 12 hours per week |
| Modality | Online, Instructor-led |
| Subject | Business |
| Language | English |
| Video Transcript | English |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Credit | Certificate of Completion |
| Platform | Executive Education |
| Associated School | Harvard Kennedy School |
Purpose And Target Audience
The main goal of this course is to teach participants how to craft and leverage public narratives. It focuses on connecting personal stories to community narratives to drive commitment and action. The course also analyzes the role of narrative during critical changes and provides tools to enable others to act.
This program is ideal for senior public leaders, community organizers, students, and leaders from various organizations. Anyone looking to enhance their leadership and storytelling skills will benefit from this course. Participants will learn to communicate values through lived experiences and develop a compelling story to engage and inspire others.
- Senior public leaders
- Community organizers
- Students
- Organizational leaders
By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of the role of narrative in leadership and change. They will gain the ability to lead others using the public narrative framework.
For more information, please visit the course page on the Harvard University website.
Credit: content.cityleadership.harvard.edu
Key Features Of The Course
The Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action course by Harvard University is a transformative online program. Over 14 weeks, it enhances your leadership skills through public narratives. This course is ideal for senior leaders, community organizers, students, and organization leaders.
Leadership Development
This course focuses on leadership development. Participants learn to craft their public narratives. They connect their stories to their communities. This motivates a shared purpose and calls to action. The course helps you analyze the role of narrative in critical change moments.
The Art Of Storytelling
The course teaches the art of storytelling. It covers how to communicate your values through lived experiences. You’ll learn to develop a compelling story of self, us, and now. This skill engages and inspires others effectively.
Driving Collective Action
Participants will also focus on driving collective action. The course provides tools to enable others’ agency. You’ll increase your capacity to lead others using the public narrative framework. This helps in motivating commitment to shared goals.
Course Details:
| Duration | 14 weeks (September 1 – December 19, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 8 – 12 hours per week |
| Modality | Online, Instructor-led |
| Subject | Business |
| Course Language | English |
| Video Transcript | English |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Credit | Certificate of Completion |
| Platform | Executive Education |
| Associated School | Harvard Kennedy School |
For more information, you can visit the course page on the Harvard University website.
In-depth Look At Each Module
The Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action course by Harvard University is a transformative journey. This program is divided into four essential modules. Each module is crafted to enhance your leadership skills through effective storytelling. Let’s delve into each module to understand what you will learn.
Module 1: Understanding Public Narrative
Module 1 lays the foundation. It explains the concept of Public Narrative. You will learn the importance of storytelling in leadership. The focus is on the story of self, us, and now. This module sets the stage for connecting personal stories to community values.
- Introduction to Public Narrative
- Understanding the three elements: self, us, and now
- Analyzing the role of narrative in leadership
Module 2: Crafting Your Story
Module 2 emphasizes the art of crafting your story. You will learn how to communicate your values through personal experiences. This module helps you build a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience.
- Techniques for effective storytelling
- Connecting your story to community values
- Engaging others through personal narratives
Module 3: Engaging Your Audience
Module 3 focuses on audience engagement. Learn strategies to connect with your audience emotionally. This module teaches you how to inspire commitment and action through your story.
- Understanding your audience’s values and concerns
- Using emotional connections to engage
- Strategies for inspiring commitment
Module 4: Mobilizing For Action
Module 4 is about turning narratives into action. You will learn how to use your story to mobilize others. This module emphasizes the role of narrative in critical change moments.
- Tools for enabling others’ agency
- Creating a shared purpose
- Mobilizing communities for action
Pricing And Affordability
Enrolling in Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action by Harvard University is an investment in your leadership skills. Let’s explore the pricing details and the available financial aid options.
Cost Breakdown
The total cost for the 14-week program is $2,900. Below is a detailed breakdown:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | $2,900 |
| Additional Materials | Included |
| Certification | Included |
Participants need to register by July 17, 2025 to secure their spot.
Available Financial Aid And Scholarships
Harvard University offers various financial aid options to ensure the course is accessible to all:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students based on their achievements.
- Need-Based Financial Aid: Designed for students who demonstrate financial need.
- Employer Sponsorship: Some employers may cover the cost of the program as part of professional development.
To apply for financial aid, visit the course page for more details.
Enhance your leadership and storytelling skills without worrying about affordability. Explore the financial aid options and make the most out of this transformative course.
Pros And Cons Based On Real-world Usage
The Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action course by Harvard University offers a unique approach to enhancing leadership skills. By teaching the art of storytelling, it aims to motivate and inspire. However, like any program, it comes with its pros and cons. Real-world experiences shed light on the actual impact of this course.
Success Stories And Testimonials
Many participants have shared their positive experiences. Here are some testimonials:
| Participant | Role | Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Jane Smith | Community Organizer | Enhanced my storytelling skills and helped me connect with my community. |
| John Doe | Senior Public Leader | The course transformed my leadership approach through effective public narratives. |
Participants often highlight the program’s ability to create a compelling story of self, us, and now. This framework allows leaders to engage and inspire others effectively. The course also stands out for its instructor, Marshall Ganz, whose expertise adds immense value.
Potential Drawbacks
Despite its strengths, some participants have noted a few drawbacks:
- Time Commitment: The course requires 8-12 hours per week, which can be demanding.
- Cost: At $2,900, the program is a significant investment.
- Refund Policy: There is no specific refund or return policy mentioned.
Additionally, the course’s intermediate difficulty level may not be suitable for beginners. Some participants have found the material challenging without prior experience in leadership or public speaking.
In summary, the Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action course offers valuable insights and skills. However, potential students should consider the time and financial investment required.
Credit: www.hks.harvard.edu
Specific Recommendations For Ideal Users Or Scenarios
The Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action course from Harvard University is a comprehensive program designed for individuals looking to enhance their leadership and storytelling skills. This section offers specific recommendations on who will benefit most from this course and how it can be practically applied in various fields.
Who Will Benefit Most From This Course
This course is ideal for a diverse group of individuals. Here is a detailed list of potential beneficiaries:
- Senior Public Leaders: Enhance leadership capabilities and craft compelling public narratives.
- Community Organizers: Inspire and mobilize communities towards a common goal.
- Students: Develop leadership and storytelling skills essential for future careers.
- Leaders Across Organizations: Improve communication and motivational strategies within teams.
Each of these groups can leverage the course’s teachings to create a powerful narrative that resonates with their audience, fostering a sense of shared purpose and action.
Practical Applications In Various Fields
The lessons from this course can be applied across various fields to drive change and inspire action. Here are some practical applications:
| Field | Application |
|---|---|
| Non-Profit Sector | Motivate volunteers and donors by sharing impactful stories that highlight the organization’s mission and successes. |
| Corporate Leadership | Engage employees and stakeholders through compelling narratives that align with the company’s values and goals. |
| Education | Inspire students and faculty by connecting educational goals with personal and community stories. |
| Government and Policy Making | Advocate for policies by narrating stories that illustrate the impact on communities and individuals. |
By applying the public narrative framework, leaders in these fields can effectively communicate their vision and rally others to support their initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Three Parts Of The Public Narrative?
The three parts of the public narrative are the story of self, the story of us, and the story of now.
What Is The Ganz Model Of Storytelling?
The Ganz model of storytelling focuses on three elements: the story of self, the story of us, and the story of now.
What Is Narrative Leadership?
Narrative leadership involves using storytelling to inspire and guide teams. Leaders share stories to communicate vision, values, and goals effectively.
What Is The Public Narrative Strategy?
The public narrative strategy combines storytelling with a call to action. It aims to inspire, engage, and motivate audiences.
Conclusion
This course offers a unique opportunity to enhance your leadership and storytelling skills. Designed by Harvard, it guides you in crafting narratives that inspire action. With 14 weeks of expert instruction, you’ll learn to connect your story with your community’s goals.
Perfect for senior leaders, community organizers, and students. Boost your public speaking abilities and lead with confidence. Ready to transform your leadership journey? Explore the course at Harvard’s website and register by July 17, 2025.
