The Manager's Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work

University of London via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/people-management

Introduction

### Course Review: The Manager's Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work In today’s dynamic work environment, the ability to effectively manage people is crucial for both new and experienced managers alike. “The Manager's Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work,” offered on Coursera, is an invaluable course designed to equip learners with practical skills that translate well across various workplace settings. Whether you're stepping into your first management role or you’re already a seasoned middle manager, this course addresses essential competencies that every manager should possess. #### Overview The primary goal of this course is to provide a hands-on approach to management, focusing on the day-to-day realities of leading a team. You’ll engage with fundamental HR theories, which are not just theoretical exercises, but practical tools you can apply immediately in your leadership role. By the end of the course, participants are expected to have developed a robust toolkit for selecting suitable candidates, motivating and appraising team members, and effectively managing workplace conflicts. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction**: The journey begins here, setting the stage for what’s to come. Week one emphasizes reading foundational material that offers a comprehensive overview of management concepts. This preparatory step is crucial for building your understanding before diving deeper in subsequent weeks. 2. **Interviews**: In the second week, the focus shifts to the interview process. You’ll explore how to conduct effective interviews, alternative selection methods, and the pros and cons of various hiring techniques. This module is particularly beneficial for anyone preparing to hire staff or improve their selection skills. 3. **Leadership and Decision Making**: Week three delves into the essence of leadership within organizations. You’ll learn about leadership styles and strategies to enhance your decision-making abilities—critical facets that determine the success of your managerial approach. 4. **Performance Management**: This module underscores the importance of a well-structured performance management system. Learners will discover how feedback and appraisals can foster employee growth while simultaneously furthering organizational goals. 5. **Pay as a Motivator**: Pay is a significant factor in employee motivation, yet its impacts can be paradoxical. Week five challenges you to rethink the traditional relationship between salary and motivation, causing you to consider alternative methods for inspiring your team. 6. **Managing Conflict at Work**: Finally, the course examines the often-misunderstood topic of conflict. Rather than viewing conflict solely as a negative phenomenon, you will learn how to harness it positively, identifying its causes and managing disputes constructively. #### Recommendations If you’re a manager—or seek to be one—enrolling in “The Manager’s Toolkit” is highly recommended. This course offers: - **Practical Knowledge**: The hands-on approach ensures you are not just absorbing theory; you will leave with actionable skills. - **Relevance Across Sectors**: Regardless of your industry, the principles taught are universally applicable. - **Flexible Learning**: Coursera provides you the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making it easier to balance your studies with professional commitments. - **Networking Opportunities**: Engaging with fellow students from various backgrounds enriches your learning experience and broadens your professional network. #### Conclusion In summary, “The Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work” is a comprehensive course that expertly combines theory and practical application, setting the foundation for effective management. Whether you are new to management or looking to enhance your existing skills, this course will empower you to lead with confidence and competence. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your managerial capabilities—enroll today on Coursera!

Syllabus

Introduction

The first week gives you a chance to do some preparatory reading which will give you a good general overview of the subject area before the teaching starts in week 2.

Interviews

This week we will be focusing on the role of the interview, how to conduct a good interview as well as looking at options to the interview and discussing whether it is the best method of selecting new members of staff.

Leadership and Decision making

This week we are looking at the role of the leader in the organization and how we can improve our to improve our decision making.

Performance Management

This week we are looking at how a well designed performance management system can help both the employee and the organization.

Pay as a motivator

This week we are looking at how important pay is as a motivator and the implications of this. Could it be that it may actually achieve the opposite?

Managing conflict at work

Is conflict always bad? This week we are looking at the causes of conflict and how to manage it for a positive outcome.

Overview

The aim of this course is to give you a practical guide to managing people at work. It does not matter whether you are a first time manager in a shop or a middle manager in an office environment; the same skills apply to every work place. In the course you will engage with some HR theories and then see how they translate into every day working life. At the end of the course we hope you will be better equipped to choose a suitable employee, to motivate and appraise your team, to manage conflict

Skills

Decision-Making Leadership Management Performance Management

Reviews

If you want to understand how to mange people at your work place, understand conflict management, and conflict resolution, my dear this is the best practical oriented and explicit course to take.

The whole programme has been inspiring and resourceful. I plan to implement every bit of it in the discharge of my daily assignment. Thank you so much for this opportunity.\n\nOmobowale Odofib

this was very informative and intersring cousrse especily for thoe who work as manager. we like seen forward for such interting and knowlede based course in future thank you University of Londan.

Great course overall and I loved the videos and the condensed content.\n\nTo improve, the authors and lectures might want to check their slide decks and include a couple of visualisations.

Excellent presentation on how to manage People at Work. Should be taken by all managerial level staff of every firm in order to instill discipline and increase productivity levels.\n\nThanks!