Liesl Wesson, a Senior Lecturer at the Harbert College of Business, is guiding students in her Honors Principles of Management (MNGT 3107) course to develop critical thinking skills essential for future leadership. The course encourages students to move beyond seeking simple answers, instead prompting them to ask more insightful questions about leadership, decision-making, and the factors contributing to organizational success.
Wesson draws on a decade of professional experience in industry, complemented by her prior university teaching roles, to shape the course's unique approach. This blend of practical background and academic instruction allows her to challenge Honors students intellectually while simultaneously providing valuable, real-world insight into what effective management entails in various organizational settings.
According to Wesson, a core objective of the course is to ensure students understand not only the academic theories behind effective management but also how these principles apply directly in "real organizational settings." She articulated her goal to make the course both rigorous and engaging, aiming for it to be highly relevant for students as they prepare to step into roles as future professionals and leaders.
The effectiveness of Wesson's teaching style is echoed by her students. Adair Smith, an Honors junior majoring in health services administration in the College of Liberal Arts, described Wesson as "one of my favorite professors." Smith noted her initial uncertainty about what to expect from a management course, but found Wesson's approach made the class engaging.
Smith explained that Wesson connected the course material to "real-world experiences and stories," which significantly enhanced her learning. Beyond classroom instruction, Smith highlighted Wesson's personal commitment to her students' futures. Wesson took the initiative to learn about Smith's specific career interests and further assisted by connecting her with individuals who could offer advice and insight as Smith explored different professional opportunities. This personalized mentorship underscores the course’s emphasis on practical preparation for students’ professional journeys.
Through its unique blend of academic challenge and practical application, the Honors Principles of Management course, under Senior Lecturer Liesl Wesson, aims to equip students with a robust understanding of management theory grounded in real-world relevance. This approach prepares students to critically analyze, lead, and contribute to organizational success in their future careers.