Ready to take the leap into management?
Well, the first thing you should do before having the conversation with your boss is figure out whether you’re actually qualified to lead. And no, I’m not denying that you’re doing a great job now.
It’s just that there’s a big difference between doing well at your current role and being a good boss. And you won’t be surprised to learn that great management really starts with soft skills—a.k.a., the skills you may not work on as much in your everyday job. You need to know how to work with diverse opinions, inspire others to be productive, and handle difficult situations that pop up out of nowhere.
But like anything, soft skills can be learned. You just need to know the right courses to take.
1. Achieve More in Less Time Using SMART Goals, Udemy
What does SMART stand for? And how can it help you lead a successful team (and prove to your boss you’re the person for the job)? This short course will help you set goals, juggle your workload, and reach new heights.
Length: 31 minutes/ 10 lectures
2. Conflict Resolution Skills, Coursera
Managing isn’t all fun and games. Sometimes, you’ll be stuck between two fighting employees, or have to resolve a client issue, or have to put out a fire you never saw coming.
Note: This is free to audit
Length: 3 weeks/ 3-4 hours a week
3. Productivity and Time Management: Get More Done, Skillshare
You may have a handle on your work now, but when you have assignments to complete and people to manage, you have to be a kick-ass time manager. This quick class will help you not just get stuff done, but also teach you how to prioritize so you can get the most important stuff done.
Length: 30 minutes/ 8 videos
4. Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking, Udemy
Sure, not every manager has to stand in front of the entire company and pitch their project. But, you do have to know how to speak in front of your team during meetings. Get over your fears and learn how to confidently share your ideas in this simple course.
Length: 38 minutes/ 8 lectures
5. What Great Leaders Do, Alison
Curious what it takes to be a well-respected manager? This class will cover the common habits of successful leaders, as well as those that prevent you from performing at your best.
Length: 1-2 hours
6. Mentor for Impact—Start Mentoring, Udemy
Even as the boss, you’re not just there to boss people around. Every good manager acts as a mentor for their employees to help them succeed. If you want to be that kind of role model, this class is for you.
Length: 56 minutes/ 12 lectures
7. The Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work, Coursera
Who says you need to have the title to train yourself to be a great manager? Get ahead of the game with this in-depth toolkit, covering everything from motivating a team, to resolving conflict, to making hard decisions.
Note: This is free without certification
Length: 6 weeks/ 1-3 hours a week
8. Leading With Effective Communication (Inclusive Leadership Training), edX
Knowing how to foster an inclusive culture within your team can make you really stand out as a leader to your boss. Learn how to incorporate the “Empowerment, Accountability, Courage, and Humility” mindset in this course and you’re sure to inspire everyone to be their best selves.
Length: 4 weeks/ 1.5-2 hours a week
9. Communication Skills—Persuasion and Motivation, Alison
As this course suggests, persuasion is very different from manipulation—and great bosses prefer the former. You’ll learn how to use persuasion to negotiate in business or present to your team, as well as how to motivate others—as well as yourself—to do their best work.
Length: 2-3 hours
10. Self-Confidence: 40-Minute Confidence and Self Esteem Guide, Udemy
Finally, the only way you’re going to become a great manager is if you believe in yourself. If you need that extra confidence boost, this free course will give you the self esteem you need to become the leader you (and your boss) dream of.
Length: 43 minutes/ 9 lectures
