WGU Power, Influence and Leadership (LZT2) — Complete Study Guide
Looking to excel in WGU Power, Influence and Leadership (LZT2)? This comprehensive course explores essential leadership theories, power dynamics, and influence strategies that modern leaders need to succeed. Whether you're struggling with case study analysis or need clarity on leadership frameworks, this guide provides everything you need to pass your performance assessment with confidence.
Course Overview
WGU LZT2 Power, Influence and Leadership is a cornerstone course in WGU's business and leadership programs that examines the theoretical and practical aspects of effective leadership. Students learn to analyze complex leadership scenarios, understand various sources of power, and develop ethical influence strategies. The course emphasizes real-world applications, preparing you for management roles, human resources positions, or any career requiring strong interpersonal leadership skills. This performance assessment course requires students to demonstrate mastery through written analysis and practical application of leadership concepts.
What You'll Study in LZT2
- Leadership Theories — Transformational, transactional, situational, and servant leadership models
- Sources of Power — Legitimate, referent, expert, reward, and coercive power in organizational settings
- Influence Tactics — Ethical strategies for persuasion, negotiation, and building consensus
- Team Dynamics — Understanding group behavior, conflict resolution, and collaboration techniques
- Decision-Making Processes — How power and influence affect organizational choices and outcomes
- Leadership Ethics — Responsible use of power and influence in professional environments
- Change Management — Leading organizational transformation and managing resistance
Best Resources for WGU LZT2
- Khan Academy Leadership Content — Free leadership and management courses covering fundamental concepts
- Quizlet Study Sets — Flashcards for leadership theories and power types created by WGU students
- Reddit WGU Community — Student discussions and tips for LZT2 with real experiences and advice
- Studocu Notes — Student-shared study materials and case study examples for comprehensive review
- WGU Program Information — Official business leadership program details for course context
- YouTube Khan Academy — Video explanations of leadership concepts for visual learners
How to Pass WGU LZT2 — Proven Strategies
- Master Core Leadership Theories — Start by thoroughly understanding transformational, situational, and servant leadership models using Wikipedia's comprehensive leadership theory overview
- Create a Power Types Reference Chart — Develop a visual guide distinguishing between legitimate, referent, expert, reward, and coercive power with real-world examples
- Practice Case Study Analysis — Use the provided rubric to structure your responses, ensuring you address all required elements systematically
- Understand Influence Tactics — Study social influence principles and practice applying them ethically in various scenarios
- Seek Early Mentor Feedback — Submit draft work to your course mentor for guidance before final submission to avoid multiple revisions
- Apply Real-World Examples — Connect course concepts to your professional experience or current events to strengthen your analysis
Common Challenges in LZT2 (and How to Overcome Them)
- Connecting Theory to Practice — Many students struggle to apply abstract leadership concepts to real scenarios. Overcome this by practicing with multiple case studies and seeking examples from your own work experience
- Understanding Power Dynamics — The different types of power can be confusing. Create a comparison chart with definitions, examples, and ethical considerations for each power type to clarify distinctions
- Meeting Rubric Requirements — Performance assessments require specific elements. Use the rubric as a checklist and ensure each section of your analysis addresses the corresponding criteria thoroughly
Frequently Asked Questions About WGU LZT2
Is WGU LZT2 hard to pass?
LZT2 is moderately challenging, especially if you're new to leadership theory. However, with proper preparation and understanding of the key concepts, most students complete it successfully within 4-6 weeks.
What type of assessment is LZT2?
LZT2 is a Performance Assessment (PA) that requires written analysis demonstrating your understanding of leadership theories, power dynamics, and influence strategies through case study evaluation.
How long does LZT2 typically take to complete?
Most students complete LZT2 in 4-6 weeks, depending on their prior knowledge of organizational behavior and leadership concepts.
What are the main topics covered in the LZT2 assessment?
The assessment focuses on leadership theories (transformational, situational, servant), sources of power (legitimate, referent, expert), influence tactics, and practical application through case study analysis.
Can I retake LZT2 if I don't pass on the first attempt?
Yes, you can revise and resubmit your performance assessment based on evaluator feedback. Most students who don't pass initially succeed on their second attempt after addressing the specific areas noted for improvement.
Final Thoughts
Success in WGU Power, Influence and Leadership (LZT2) comes from understanding core leadership theories, practicing case study analysis, and applying concepts to real-world scenarios. Focus on mastering the different types of power and influence tactics while maintaining ethical considerations throughout your analysis. Remember to use your course mentor as a resource and don't hesitate to seek feedback early in the process. Ready to tackle more WGU courses? Browse all WGU course guides for comprehensive study resources and proven strategies.