Resources

Build a coaching toolkit through practice and reflection

University of California, Davis

A UC Davis Coursera specialization that walks managers through coaching conversations, feedback, and building accountability. Structured, practice-based, and ICF-aligned for those new to formal coaching.

Tailor messaging for different stakeholder audiences

Jeff Ansell

A short course covering how to tailor messages to different stakeholder audiences, run effective updates, and handle tough questions. Good for managers who want structured frameworks they can apply immediately.

Science-backed strategies for setting and sustaining goals

University of Virginia Darden School

UVA Darden's course on goal setting and execution, covering how to translate strategy into measurable team outcomes. A structured way for managers to build foundational goal-setting capability.

Structure onboarding for faster time-to-productivity

Todd Dewett

A focused course covering the design and delivery of onboarding programs that drive engagement and retention. Provides templates and checklists managers can apply directly to their own new hire processes.

Build influence and trust across team boundaries

Daisy Lovelace

A practical course covering how to build trust, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts across teams with differing priorities. Useful for managers who need actionable tactics they can apply immediately.

The data concepts every manager needs to lead evidence-driven teams

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University course designed specifically for leaders who need to manage data-driven teams and initiatives. Covers framing problems, interpreting results, and building analytics-friendly cultures.

Human-centred problem-solving from UVA Darden

Jeanne Liedtka

University of Virginia's course on applying design thinking to drive innovation. Teaches managers a repeatable process for framing problems, generating options, and prototyping solutions.

Build confident, compelling speaking skills step by step

Dr. Matt McGarrity

A University of Washington Coursera specialization covering speech design, delivery, and audience adaptation. Great for managers who want a structured curriculum to strengthen verbal communication and presentation skills.

Read and interpret financial statements with confidence

Harvard Business School Online

Non-finance managers often struggle to lead across functions without fluency in financial statements. This course builds the financial literacy needed to collaborate credibly with finance, operations, and strategy peers.

Deliver feedback that is specific, timely, and constructive

Tracy Jennings

A short University of Colorado course focused on the principles and language of constructive feedback. Includes practical exercises and examples that help managers build a repeatable habit of timely, specific feedback.

Lead teams where everyone can contribute fully

Catalyst

Catalyst's Coursera course teaches the six signature traits of inclusive leaders and how to apply them in daily management. Includes practical exercises on empowerment, accountability, and psychological safety.

Use EQ to inspire and sustain high performance

Richard Boyatzis

A free Coursera course by Case Western's Richard Boyatzis covering Intentional Change Theory and how to develop emotional and social intelligence. Includes exercises for surfacing your ideal self versus how others actually experience you.

Apply the ADKAR model to guide individuals through change

A structured online course covering change models, stakeholder engagement, and communication planning. Useful for managers who want a guided, certification-friendly path to building change leadership skills.

Evidence-based resilience strategies from positive psychology

Karen Reivich (University of Pennsylvania)

A free Coursera course from UPenn's Karen Reivich based on decades of positive psychology research. Teaches cognitive techniques like ABC, real-time resilience, and mindfulness for managing stress effectively.

The fundamentals of process improvement and defect reduction

University System of Georgia

University of Georgia System course teaching DMAIC methodology and statistical process improvement tools. Practical training for managers who want structured approaches to process optimization.

Use narrative to persuade and move people to action

IDEO U

IDEO U's course teaches managers how to craft and deliver stories that drive change inside organizations. Combines design-thinking practice with practical narrative structures.

From strategy design to on-the-ground execution

University of Virginia (Darden)

A University of Virginia Darden course series covering how to translate strategy into resource decisions and execution. Strong for managers who want a structured, academic grounding in allocation choices.

Translate strategic priorities into measurable results

Robert Simons

Harvard Business School's online course teaches managers how to translate strategy into action through control systems, performance measures, and alignment. Strong on the underrated skill of making vision operational.