Strengthening Your Widening Network

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/strengthening-your-widening-network

Introduction

**Course Review: Strengthening Your Widening Network on Coursera** As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to build and maintain a network of professional relationships is more crucial than ever. Coursera's course, "Strengthening Your Widening Network," provides learners with vital tools and strategies for effectively communicating and nurturing relationships within diverse workplace environments. **Course Overview:** The course is designed to not just enhance your communication skills, but to also broaden your understanding of workplace dynamics and relationships among colleagues and stakeholders from various cultural backgrounds. The focus on improving workplace discourse and recognizing the complexities of organizational structures adds a layer of depth to the learning experience. **Syllabus Breakdown:** The course consists of four modules that gradually build your capacity to engage effectively with your network: 1. **About the Specialisation and the Course:** - This introductory module sets the stage for what to expect from the course. You'll learn about the significance of interpersonal connections in professional settings and how to leverage them effectively. 2. **Faces, Places, Phases:** - This module emphasizes understanding your colleagues and the physical workspace. It helps you navigate the various levels within a company's organizational chart, fostering a better connection with different roles and responsibilities. 3. **Effective Communication through Email:** - Email is one of the primary modes of communication in the workplace. This section covers how to communicate appropriately and effectively via email, focusing on the 7Cs of communication (clarity, conciseness, concreteness, correctness, completeness, consideration, and courtesy). You'll also explore intercultural communication theories, making your messages culturally sensitive and impactful. 4. **Meetings in a Globalised Workplace:** - Meetings can often be challenging in a global context. This module is focused on developing skills for engaging in meetings, emphasizing appropriate behavior and participation for constructing meaningful contributions. Trust and credibility are also examined here, fundamental components in establishing robust professional relationships. **Review and Recommendation:** "Strengthening Your Widening Network" is an invaluable course for anyone looking to enhance their professional relationships and communication abilities. Not only is the material well-structured and presented, but it is also relevant to today’s workforce, which is increasingly diverse and globalized. The emphasis on practical strategies and real-world application makes the course particularly beneficial. The strategies learned can be applied immediately in your workplace, making the course not just theoretical but practical. Furthermore, the inclusion of intercultural communication principles is a significant advantage, equipping participants with the knowledge to work effectively with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds. Whether you are a new employee trying to find your way in a new organization, a manager looking to enhance team cohesion, or anyone in between, I highly recommend enrolling in "Strengthening Your Widening Network." The insights gained through this course can profoundly influence your networking skills and professional growth, making it a worthwhile investment in your career journey.

Syllabus

About the Specialisation and the Course

In this Module, you will find out more about the four courses that are offered in this Specialisation.

We will look at getting to know our colleagues, the physical work place, as well as the different levels of people on the organisational chart.

We will look at how to connect with people appropriately and on the right note, as well as using the right mode, bearing in mind the 7Cs of effective communication as well as some theoretical constructs of intercultural communication. We will also look at effective email writing.

We will look at appropriate meeting behaviours and skills, how to participate at meetings effectively so as to be a contributing member of your organisation. We shall also be looking briefly at how you can build trust and credibility, two very important elements in interpersonal relationships.