In this course, you will learn to practice active listening, build strong manager-employee relationships, communicate with clarity and impact, and confidently manage workplace conflict. You will also assess your communication strengths, identify growth areas, and create actionable plans to improve your leadership effectiveness.

Critical Communication and Leadership Skills
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Critical Communication and Leadership Skills
This course is part of Management Excellence for Supervisors and Leaders Specialization


Instructors: Benjamin Flower
Included with
Recommended experience
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.
Skills you'll gain
- Team Leadership
- Leadership and Management
- Leadership Development
- Employee Engagement
- Leadership
- Team Performance Management
- Empathy
- Employee Relations
- Verbal Communication Skills
- Emotional Intelligence
- Interpersonal Communications
- Strategic Communication
- Team Management
- Conflict Management
- Constructive Feedback
- Communication
- Active Listening
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Relationship Building
- Non-Verbal Communication
Details to know

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March 2026
13 assignments
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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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Frequently asked questions
This course is ideal for new or experienced supervisors, team leads, and professionals who want to strengthen communication and leadership skills.
No formal experience is required. However, experience working in teams and basic workplace communication knowledge will help you benefit more from the course.
The course takes about 6 hours to complete and is designed for flexible, self-paced learning to fit your schedule.
More questions
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