SkillUp

Critical Communication and Leadership Skills

SkillUp

Critical Communication and Leadership Skills

Benjamin Flower
SkillUp

Instructors: Benjamin Flower

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Explain key principles of active listening, relationship building, clear communication, and conflict management.

  • Apply active listening, relationship, and clear communication techniques in everyday team interactions.

  • Analyze communication gaps, relationship issues, and causes of workplace conflict.

  • Create a leadership plan using authentic practices aligned with personal values and organizational goals.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

March 2026

Assessments

13 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Management Excellence for Supervisors and Leaders Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course

In this module, you will learn how managers strengthen relationships and team performance through deliberate, attentive listening. You will examine how active listening means giving full attention, observing verbal and non-verbal cues, and engaging with empathy. You will explore how reflecting, paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and responding thoughtfully build understanding. You will also understand how avoiding distractions, suspending judgment, and being fully present demonstrate effective listening. Through examples and practice, you will see how these behaviors foster trust, collaboration, and a high-performing workplace culture.

What's included

5 videos7 readings3 assignments3 plugins

In this module, you will learn how managers build trust and engagement by cultivating strong relationships with their direct reports. You will examine how open communication, empathy, and respect create a supportive work environment. You will explore how managers provide feedback, recognize achievements, and support development, and understand that relationship-building requires consistent effort from both managers and employees. Through examples and reflection, you will see how these behaviors foster trust, boost productivity, and strengthen workplace culture.

What's included

2 videos3 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

In this module, you will learn how managers communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and with impact. You will examine how structuring messages, using precise language, and tailoring communication to your audience enhances understanding and decision-making. You will explore how brevity, storytelling, and executive presence help managers motivate and align teams. You will also understand how practicing, refining, and delivering messages thoughtfully demonstrates professionalism and builds credibility. Through examples, practice activities, and reflection, you will see how these behaviors foster clarity, engagement, and a high-performing workplace culture.

What's included

3 videos3 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt2 plugins

In this module, you will learn how managers address and resolve workplace conflict to maintain team cohesion and organizational health. You will examine how effective conflict management involves identifying issues, actively listening, and understanding the perspectives of all parties. You will explore strategies to prevent conflicts, apply structured resolution techniques, and foster open, respectful dialogue. You will also understand how skills such as empathy, problem-solving, negotiation, and patience help managers handle disagreements constructively. Through examples, practice activities, and reflection, you will see how these behaviors build trust, collaboration, and a productive, resilient workplace culture.

What's included

3 videos4 readings3 assignments2 plugins

In this final module, you will bring together all the knowledge and insights gained throughout the course. As part of the final project, you will create a personalized Readiness Plan based on a given scenario. This plan will outline how you intend to lay the foundation for team success by adapting your leadership style, providing effective team coaching, and creating a vision for team success. This practical exercise will help you apply course concepts to create a real-world strategy. You’ll also review a peer’s readiness plan, gaining new perspectives and insights. The module concludes with a course summary, a glossary of key terms, and a final exam.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

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Instructors

Benjamin Flower
SkillUp
3 Courses 88 learners
SkillUp
SkillUp
128 Courses 435,206 learners

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SkillUp

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