Series 3: Workbook 3B Companion Course
Leadership in Instructional Design
Course Description
This workbook focuses on helping designers grow into leadership roles. It explores the skills needed to build and manage diverse teams, plan and oversee complex projects, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at every stage of the process. Each chapter introduces both practical strategies and opportunities for reflection so learners can begin to define their own leadership style.
Companion Course 3B
Chapters
Select a chapter tile below to read the content and complete the activities.
Chapter 1
Leading Instructional Design Teams
Instructional design projects succeed when each contributor knows their purpose and how their work connects to the larger vision. In many workplaces, the instructional designer takes on the central role of aligning learning outcomes with instructional strategies. They analyze needs, design solutions, and ensure the project aligns with organizational goals. However, instructional designers rarely work alone. They rely on a team of specialists whose combined expertise makes high-quality learning experiences possible.
Chapter 2
Project Management in Instructional Design
In this chapter, you will explore the practices and tools that instructional design leaders use to plan, manage, and adapt projects. You will learn how to create realistic timelines, define milestones, and use project management methods that support flexibility and innovation. You will also examine how leaders monitor progress, adjust plans when obstacles arise, and keep communication flowing across all roles.
Chapter 3
Stakeholder Communication
In this chapter, you will explore how to engage stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of a project. This means building trust early, setting clear expectations, and maintaining open, purposeful communication even when challenges arise. You will also learn how to present your work in ways that make complex design processes understandable to non-designers. Clear, well-timed communication not only strengthens relationships but also prevents misunderstandings that could derail progress.
Chapter 4
Practical Applications of Leadership
Throughout this chapter, you will examine leadership through real applications: decision-making, accountability, collaboration, and ethical problem-solving. You will practice applying leadership principles to project scenarios and explore how effective leadership improves the learner experience as much as it strengthens team performance. By the end of the chapter, you will not only understand leadership theory but also demonstrate it through your work as a learning design professional.
Chapter 5
Final Project & Reflection
This final chapter guides you through assembling your leadership artifacts, reflecting on your professional growth, setting future goals, and preparing to showcase your leadership competencies. It moves beyond learning about leadership to demonstrating it through tangible evidence and thoughtful reflection.