Managing Professional Work Teams

Overview

We often think that managing people looks like a charismatic and courageous person effective enough to be in front pointing out to everyone the direction the group should take, while others follow behind. However, in today’s world (where the difference between supervisors and employees is smaller than ever), leaders are just as often teammates and collaborators as they are supervisors and managers who can hire and fire their team at will. This course is an introduction for how managers can construct and supervise individuals who work as a team to get their work done quickly and effectively – where all individuals add unique value and skill. Taught by an internationally recognized expert in leadership and team development, this course is helpful to anyone interested in the basics of supervising other humans in work and community settings. If you already consider yourself more advanced, this short course might help to remind you of basic strategies and concepts you may have gotten away from. Each short video and reading is designed to be practical, clear, and backed by the latest research in management and leadership development.

Syllabus

Course Orientation & Module 1 | Why Good People Management is More Important than Ever

In this module you will become familiar with the course and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. Then dive into the second part of this module to investigate the importance of teamwork, the common misconceptions of team leadership, and the increasing need for effective leadership in today’s professional work environment, equipping you with the essential skills for successful people management.

Module 2 | What Effective Team Members Need from Managers

In this module you will explore a comprehensive understanding of team formation, the significance of mutual accountability in teams, and the emotional needs of team members, offering you the knowledge to enhance team effectiveness and productivity.

Module 3 | The Absolute Basic Behaviors Within Strong Teams

In this module you will gain insights into the core behaviors for effective teamwork and recognizing the characteristics of strong teams, with a focus on why these traits become less common as individuals age.

Module 4 | Fundamental Behaviors for Effective People Managers

In this module you will explore the concepts of "openness" and "supportiveness" in management, the establishment of "psychological safety" within teams, and the identification of six essential behaviors for cultivating a robust team culture.

Module 5 | How Teams Develop Over Time & Course Conclusion

In this module you will explore the positive aspects of conflict in group evolution, the five stages of team development, and diverse interpretations of “team development,” equipping you with a holistic understanding of team progression crucial for effective leadership and participation. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!