Fundamentals of Supervision/Management
Week 1
Start by learning how management has evolved over the last 100 years. Then, identify the characteristics of a typical supervisor's day, as well as ways that we can handle the challenges of that day.
Week 2
Learn whether you have what it takes to be a leader, or if you are cut out to be just a manager. Then, look at the ways a supervisor can handle the challenges of delegation, performance management, and time management. You’ll also learn to identify time-wasters and time-savers.
Week 3
Learn what managers need to understand about human motivation, and help you to understand the links between motivation and productivity. Then, four motivational theories that will truly help you manage people at work every day.
Week 4
Learn about goal-setting theory, management by objectives, and the various types of conflict you may meet when motivating people. Then, learn two more very practical and influential motivational theories; equity theory and expectancy theory.
Week 5
Learn about conflict and conflict resolution in this lesson. You’ll also get specific techniques of negotiation, a particular type of conflict management. Then, identify means of solving conflict between groups as you also learn a problem-solving model that is useful in work and in life!
Week 6
Learn the importance of establishing objectives, generating alternatives, and choosing a solution in problem-solving. Finally, learn importance of having a plan of action and the tools you need to carry the plan through to completion. You’ll also learn the appropriate use of power to solve some conflict.
Fundamentals of Supervision/Management II
Week 1
Gain tools you can use to help with the kinds of real-world issues that arise every day in the workplace. This first lesson will introduce you to some of the basic components of communication. We’ll also look at the directions in which communication flows in organizations, barriers to communication, and organizational issues that block communication.
Week 2
This lesson will provide you with some tips for choosing the right communication method. We'll also talk about how to listen more effectively-the first step to being a more effective communicator. Then, you'll learn all about nonverbal communication and some techniques to make sure that you're not sending the wrong message.
Week 3
Discuss groups and teams and how to best approach them with your communications. We'll also talk about some constructive criticism techniques as well as how to deliver bad news so that it is received and not resisted. Then, look into what happens to the climate of the organization during times of change, and you'll learn how to communicate effectively when it counts the most
Week 4
In this lesson, we'll begin to discuss the second major topic of the course: Interpersonal skills. Then, discuss the personality traits of introverts versus extroverts.
Week 5
In this lesson, we'll talk about two important traits called agreeableness and conscientiousness. People can be high or low or somewhere in between on these traits. Wherever they (or you) fall, there are positive and negative consequences, and we'll explore them all in this lesson. Then, discuss two more personality traits: neuroticism and openness to experience.
Week 6
Most of us do have at least some need for power, control, and influence. You’ll find out what to do with that need, how to use your power for good, and how it can help you be a successful manager. And finally, we'll wrap up the course and our discussion on interpersonal skills with some useful tips on how to use these new skills effectively-not just with your employees, but with your peers and your boss, as well.
Building Teams That Work
Week 1
Only by understanding teams fully and completely will you be able to create an outstanding team that works effectively and with high energy. In our first lesson, you'll learn the characteristics of teams, the ways they can transform your workplace, and how to deal with resistance. Then learn the different kinds of teams and the optimal number of members, and discuss how to choose participants and clarify everyone's roles and responsibilities.
Week 2
Learn all the stages that teams go through and how to move successfully through each one. We'll also discuss the importance of creating a strong charter that will guide your team in accomplishing its goals. Then find out what your specific leadership qualities are, and learn how to develop the two areas of leadership responsibility: designing and coaching.
Week 3
Measure your affinity for working with a team and learn how to develop strong relationships. Then learn how to avoid the types of meetings that no one wants to attend by understanding the ground rules. We'll also talk about the problems that derail meetings from their full potential.
Week 4
In this lesson, you'll learn how to communicate in a team setting as well as different techniques your team can use to make the best decisions possible and solve problems effectively. Your team's job is to deliver the project on time, within budget, and working well when it's first put into place. We'll talk about how you can create this plan, and share it with stakeholders.
Week 5
Discover what virtual teams are, what technology they use, and how teammates can work well in this environment. Then, learn how to deal with common team obstacles, including the bandwagon effect, the Abilene Paradox, core group domination, and escalation of commitment.
Week 6
Take a look at what conflict is, how it comes about, how to handle it, and how it can actually benefit your team. And finally, we’ll discuss the best way is to assess your team's progress and use different methods to realign when necessary.
Leadership
Week 1
Learn that there are many ways to answer the question, “What is leadership?” and begin to gain a sense of what leaders really do. Then discover the responsibilities that leaders have to individuals and organizations and look at some of the leadership tools available including readings, ideas from great leaders, and your own personal journal.
Week 2
Take a deep look at two important aspects of leadership: its relationship with principles and its relationship with emotional intelligence. Then, you’ll do a self-assessment using both personal and behavioral assessments to get to know yourself and your own leadership style better.
Week 3
You already know that successful leaders are effective team builders, but you’ll learn exactly what types of teams are possible and how to build them. Then, work through some simple but insightful methods you can use to improve your communication skills. This lesson helps many students start changing their behavior right away!
Week 4
Gain practical tips for guiding and support others by asking questions, providing advice and feedback, supporting others, and building morale. Then, learn about Situational Leadership, as well as how leaders relate to organizations.
Week 5
Learn how to make decisions and influence others without forcing them to comply. Then, learn what it means to think strategically and share your vision.
Week 6
Learn not only how leaders move others to change, but some very specific things you can do to effect change. Finally, you’ll learn how to inspire others to think creatively and take initiative.