Course Description

The literal and proverbial “seat at the table” represents your ability to have a voice in your organization and successfully influence others. Mae Jemison, an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut, once asked, “What difference does it make if you have a seat at the table if you don’t effectively use it?” Some women struggle to get to the table. Others experience challenges maximizing their seat when they get there. To expand your influence, make a bigger impact and more effectively achieve your professional goals, you need to make your voice heard. With increased confidence, communication skills and political savvy, you can maximize your seat at the table.

Course Introduction

How it Works:

Each week you will watch a series of videos that cover key concepts and guide you through specific exercises. You will receive a PDF workbook that you can download and print to complete activities and capture your takeaways. 

During the course you'll be able to track your progress, complete reflective exercises and engage with your peers. 

We will also have a private Linkedin discussion forum where you can engage with the broader community in the course, ask questions, and share resources.

This course is offered in partnership with more than a dozen post-secondary institutions in North America. Alumni from partner schools will participate in the LinkedIn Discussion Group allowing for increased networking and more diverse perspectives.


Course curriculum

  1. 1

    • Intro Video
  2. 2

    • Week 1 Workbook

    • 1.What Is a Seat at the Table

    • 2.Why a Seat at the Table Is Important

    • 3.What Gets In Our Way - Impostor Syndrome

    • 4.What Gets In Our Way - Gender Stereotypes

    • 5.What Gets In Our Way - Unwritten Rules
  3. 3

    • Week 2 Workbook

    • 1. What's Your Seat?

    • 2. Your Authentic Leadership Style

    • 3. Your Unique Value

    • 4. Strategic Relationships & Limiting Beliefs

    • 5. Stakeholder Map & Network Assessment

    • 6. Relationship Building Strategies
  4. 4

    • Week 3 Workbook

    • 1.Articulate Goals Intro

    • 2.Articulate Your Goals

    • 3.Communicating Your Goals

    • 4.Asking for Help

    • 5.Have a Plan
  5. 5

    • Week 4 Workbook

    • 1.Strategic Thinking

    • 2.Time Management

    • 3.Managing Self-Doubt

    • 4.Speak Up in Meetings
  6. 6

    • Week 5 Workbook

    • 1.Stay Focused

    • 2.Be Bold

    • 3.Thought Leadership

    • 4.Wrap-Up

Our Facilitator - Kim Meninger

As a certified executive and leadership development coach, Kim Meninger empowers individuals and organizations to reach their full leadership potential. Kim has coached hundreds of clients and has presented career advancement and leadership topics to corporate, non-profit, and academic audiences. Before coaching, Kim held various cross-functional leadership roles in the high-tech industry, where she experienced first-hand the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in the workplace. She is passionate about helping women leaders to develop their confidence, visibility, and influence to maximize their impact and advance their careers. Kim has a BA in psychology and an MBA from Boston College. She is an ICF Associate Certified Coach and CCE Board Certified Coach with career, executive, and leadership development coaching certifications. Kim also holds a certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University. In addition to coaching, Kim serves on the leadership teams of many prominent professional women’s organizations. She lives in Groton, MA, with her husband and two young boys.

FAQ

How do I register for this course?

Registration can be made by clicking the register link above. Registration must be completed online and a separate online submission is required for each participating alumni.

What is the cost for the course?

There is no cost with the course.

 What resources will I need for this class?

To complete this course you'll need an internet connection, and the time to read, watch recorded lectures, and participate in online discussions.

Do I have to be an Athabasca University alumni member to participate in this course?

No, this course is available for Athabasca University Alumni and friends of the university.

When does the class meet?

The course site opens to participants on March 1, 2022, but when you "attend" class is entirely up to you. Our online course is without set class meetings. Instead, "class" is really the collection of video lectures that are available on-demand. Each week a new section of the course will be posted, and you can watch that content. However, you can always go back and review the previous content. After you've studied the readings and watched the video lectures, you'll head over to the course forums to respond to the weekly discussion questions and interact with the professor, teaching assistants, and your classmates.

Where will the discussion with other alumni happen?

You will receive an invitation to a LinkedIn group made up of partner institution participants. There you can discuss course content with everyone taking the course across North America.

Can I earn credit for completing the course?

Course credit is not offered. Those participants who fulfill the requirement of posting answers to the required discussion questions will be e-mailed a certificate following the conclusion of the course.

What if my question isn't answered here?

If you have further questions, please email [email protected]