Management Skills Introduction - Online Course

The Management Skills Introduction series teaches learners core management skills. Learners will be able to apply their knowledge to the successful management of projects, people, and time.

While this course is geared toward new managers, it's appropriate for anyone who wants to learn more about management skills. This online course contains 7 lessons and should take approximately 7 hours to complete.

Lesson 1: Ready! Set! Manage! (1.0) hour

Ready! Set! Manage! teaches you how to identify the biggest mistakes made by new managers, explain how to develop and motivate a team, identify a manager's role in conflict resolution, discuss ways to manage former co-workers and a boss, and distinguish between urgent and important matters. This course provides the learner with answers to questions new managers often have at the start of their management career such as the biggest mistakes made by new managers, how to build successful teams, and how to effectively manage a boss. Topics include Ready! Set! Manage!.

Lesson 2: Motivating (1.0) hour

Motivating teaches you how to give helpful feedback to improve employee performance, administer regular performance reviews, motivate employees through praise, and deliver criticism in an inspiring manner. After taking this course, the learner will be able to deliver effective feedback that employees understand and are able to successfully apply. It also discusses how to keep up with performance appraisals, yet provide thorough, thoughtful evaluations that are constructive and well-supported. Topics include Giving Feedback, Reviewing Performance, Motivating with Praise, and Constructively Criticizing.

Lesson 3: Planning (1.0) hour

Planning teaches you how to delegate effectively, develop a system for making decisions under duress, plan meetings to advance your agenda in most efficient way, think strategically, and give clear instructions to employees. After taking this course, the learner will be able to delegate work, think strategically, and plan meetings. It also discusses how to make effective decisions that will lead employees forward. Topics include Delegating, Deciding and Delivering, Planning Your Meetings, Thinking Strategically, and Giving Instructions.

Lesson 4: Communication (1.0) hour

Communication teaches you how to deliver bad news to employees in a constructive manner, speak effectively, use silence to enhance communication, and ask incisive questions. After taking this course, the learner will be able to level with their employees, deliver bad news, express themselves clearly, and ask questions that uncover employees' ideas and opinions. Topics include Making the Best of Bad News, Speaking with Your Staff, Muzzling Your Mouth, and Asking Questions.

Lesson 5: Getting Input (1.0) hour

Getting Input teaches you how to use the insights of departing employees to improve your organization, listen effectively, and get feedback about your performance from colleagues and superiors. After taking this course, the learner will be able to obtain input on improving both their own and the organization's performance. It also discusses how to obtain useful information from departing employees during their exit interviews and how to receive feedback from your superiors. It covers the importance of listening, to get the most from the speaker's concerns and ideas, as well. Topics include Performing Exit Interviews, Listening More, and Getting Feedback.

Lesson 6: Dealing with Challenging People and Times (1.0) hour

Dealing with Challenging People and Times teaches you how to assist your employees to prepare for change in your organization, deal with cynical employees to prevent a disruptive influence, and push for excellence in mediocre workers to improve performance. After taking this course, the learner will be able to help employees improve their performance and deal with organizational change. It also discusses how to handle cynics who are lowering employee morale and deal with worries about change directly. Topics include Laying the Groundwork for Change, Taming Cynics, and Raising Performance.

Lesson 7: Building Success (1.0) hour

Building Success teaches you how to make allies from among your co-workers and bosses, deliver a compelling presentation, manage your time well, anticipate and address your boss's concerns, and build alliances through social interaction. This course will give the learner best practices for gaining success through work performance. It illustrates the value of cultivating friendships within your organization so you can exchange ideas and favors. It also discusses effective time management and how to make compelling presentations. Topics include Gaining Allies, Delivering Effective Presentations, Managing Your Time, Managing Your Boss, and Networking.