Organizations don’t appoint managers simply as a career milestone. They place managers in roles that directly influence team performance, workplace culture, and business success. If you’re aspiring to become a manager, recently stepped into a leadership role, or want to strengthen your people management skills, this course is for you.

Understanding Management and Leadership
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Understanding Management and Leadership
This course is part of Management Excellence for Supervisors and Leaders Specialization


Instructors: SkillUp
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Analyze corporate expectations and responsibilities of the manager role
Demonstrate ethical leadership to build influence, authority, and accountability
Apply coaching and feedback techniques to improve team performance
Design and communicate a clear vision that aligns team efforts with business goals
Details to know

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March 2026
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There are 5 modules in this course
In this module, you will learn why organizations place managers in their roles for strategic purposes and not simply to create career progression opportunities. You will examine the true intent behind the manager's position and understand that the role carries significant responsibility and burden. You will explore how managers can sometimes lose sight of the broader purpose behind their placement and why reconnecting with that purpose is essential for effectively managing the performance of others. You will reflect on the importance of this responsibility and how it contributes to organizational outcomes and team performance. By the end of the module, you will be able to explain the purpose, responsibilities, and demands of the manager's role with greater clarity and motivation.
What's included
7 videos6 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin
In this module, you will learn how authority and influence are built into the manager role by design, and why they are not fully granted by title alone. You will examine the common misconception that authority automatically comes with a manager's designation and understand why meaningful and effective influence must be earned through behavior and practice. You will explore the specific actions and leadership behaviors that help you gain respect of your direct reports and strengthen your credibility as a manager. By the end of the module, you will be able to identify and apply the behaviors that build earned authority and meaningful influence in your management role.
What's included
3 videos4 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin
In this module, you will learn how effective leaders go beyond supervising people and processes and move past routine tasks such as timekeeping, coaching, and evaluating direct reports. You will explore what separates a capable manager from a truly effective one by focusing on the ability to motivate and inspire the people you work with. You will examine the leadership qualities and behaviors that help you elevate your impact and strengthen your influence on team outcomes. By the end of the module, you will be able to recognize and apply the qualities that enable you to become a highly effective manager who drives team performance.
What's included
3 videos5 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, you will learn how to provide effective feedback and coaching to your direct reports, even when the message involves performance improvement and difficult conversations. You will explore why feedback and coaching can be challenging and how to deliver them in a way that is actionable, meaningful, and constructive. You will also examine how your role as a leader goes beyond stating expectations and requirements to clearly communicating the path to success. You will develop the skills and confidence to describe what success looks like so your team understands goals, standards, and direction. By the end of the module, you will be able to deliver effective coaching and feedback and clearly communicate a practical vision of success.
What's included
3 videos5 readings3 assignments
In this final module, you will bring together all the knowledge and insights you have gained throughout the course. As part of the final project, you will create a personalized readiness plan based on a given scenario, outlining how you will lay the foundation for team success by adapting your leadership style, providing effective team coaching, and creating a clear vision for success. This practical exercise will help you apply course concepts to a real-world strategy. You will also review a peer’s readiness plan to gain additional 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
Yes. This course is designed for aspiring and new managers who want to understand what the role truly involves. You’ll learn the real responsibilities, expectations, and practical behaviors that make managers effective in modern workplaces.
This course focuses on the real burdens, responsibilities, and day-to-day behaviors of managers. It goes beyond leadership theory and shows what effective management looks like in practice.
The course is highly practical. Through real-world scenarios, reflective activities, and expert insights, you’ll practice decision making, coaching, feedback delivery, and motivating teams in realistic workplace situations.
More questions
Financial aid available,
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