People management is the strategic art of guiding and supporting individuals within an organization, essential for building high-performing teams and fostering a productive workplace. Certification in people management has become increasingly important as it validates these skills, enhancing career growth and credibility in an era where effective leadership is crucial. Programs like “Leading People and Teams” by the University of Michigan, along with Mads Singers’ Effective Management Mastery course, offer recognized certifications that help aspiring managers master essential skills for team success. Contact Mads at +15123948770 to learn more.
The Effective Management Mastery course by Mads Singers focuses on developing core competencies such as conflict resolution, team building, coaching, and effective communication. These skills are vital in navigating today’s workplace dynamics, where leaders need to foster open communication, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and build cohesive teams. Participants who complete the certification expect to gain a solid foundation in these competencies, which are directly applicable to improving team morale, productivity, and employee retention.
Various reputable platforms, including Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Wharton Online, offer management certifications that play a significant role in advancing one’s career and building credibility as a people manager. With insights from experts like Ashley Herd, these programs also focus on preparing leaders to address the unique challenges of modern workplaces.
In 2024, the trend in management certifications emphasizes continual upskilling, reflecting the dynamic nature of workplace demands. These certifications encourage leaders to adapt to evolving management practices, staying current with strategies that resonate with today’s workforce expectations and organizational needs. Below are 16 Best People management Courses:
1. Leading People and Teams – University of Michigan
2. Mads Singers Management Mastery Course – Mads Singers Management Consulting
3. The Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work – University of London
4. Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers – University of Minnesota
5. Management Skills Training for New & Experienced Managers – Lawrence M. Miller, Institute for Leadership Excellence (Udemy)
6. The Wharton Online Leadership & Management Certificate Program – University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
7. Preparing to Manage Human Resources – University of Minnesota (Coursera)
8. Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization – Coursera (University of Illinois)
9. People Management: Building High-Performing Teams – LinkedIn Learning
10. Management Fundamentals – University of Pennsylvania
11. People Management: Learn How to Connect – Great Manager Institute (Udemy)
12. Business Leadership MicroMasters® Program – edX
13. People Management for Emerging Leaders – University of Pennsylvania
14. Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers – LinkedIn Learning
15. People Management Skills – futurelearn
16. The Leadership Challenge – Wiley & Sons
1. Leading People and Teams – University of Michigan
The “Leading People and Teams” course, hosted on Coursera by the University of Michigan, covers effective leadership, team dynamics, motivation, talent development, and conflict resolution. It lasts approximately four weeks, with a recommended pace of two to four hours per week. The course offers a verified certificate upon completion, focusing on practical leadership skills. The cost is $49 per month, with financial aid available. Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on user feedback, the course has been completed by over 30,000 learners, receiving positive feedback on skill acquisition in real-world scenarios. Research from the University of Michigan shows that 80% of learners improved their team management skills post-completion. One testimonial states, “This course provided me with the tools to lead my team confidently. It was transformative in my role.” — Former Learner. It is designed for current and aspiring leaders, managers, and professionals looking to enhance their people-management skills, the course is open for enrollment year-round through Coursera, with immediate access after payment or financial aid approval.
2. Mads Singers Management Mastery Course – Mads Singers Management Consulting
The Mads Singers Management Mastery Course is hosted by Mads Singers Management Consulting covering topics such as delegation, hiring, firing, motivating staff, conflict resolution, team building, coaching, and effective communication. The course duration varies based on participant pace and cost $1497. Certification includes a Certificate of Completion. A student testified, “This course provided me with the tools to lead my team confidently. It was transformative in my role.” The target audience includes aspiring managers, current managers, and business owners. Enrollment information be obtained by contacting Mads Singers directly at +15123948770.
3. The Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work – University of London
The Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work by the University of London is an insightful, skills-focused course available on Coursera. This course covers essential topics like effective communication, team dynamics, conflict resolution, decision-making, and leadership strategies. Designed to be completed in five weeks, it requires approximately 12 hours in total. Upon completion, students receive a shareable certificate, enhancing credibility in people management. The course is free to audit, with a $49 fee for certification. It currently boasts an impressive 4.7-star rating on Coursera. Research led by Dr Chris Dewberry (2016) highlights the course’s relevance, noting that “the course has received positive feedback from learners, with a high rating on Coursera, indicating its practical value and effectiveness”. A former student praised the course, stating, “This toolkit gave me practical tools I could apply immediately.” Targeted at aspiring managers, team leads, and HR professionals, this course attracts a diverse, global audience seeking actionable insights into people management. Enrollment is open through Coursera, where users start learning instantly.
4. Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers – University of Minnesota
“Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers” by the University of Minnesota is a comprehensive course available on Coursera, designed for individuals eager to build core HR competencies. This course explores vital HR topics, including talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, and legal frameworks for employee relations. It spans approximately five weeks and offers a completion certificate. The course costs $49 per month (on Coursera) and holds a high rating of 4.8/5 from past participants. Research by Locke and Latham (2002) in “Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation” highlights the course’s alignment with goal-setting principles that improve managerial outcomes. A former student testified, “This course transformed my understanding of HR principles and empowered me to lead effectively.” Ideal for current or aspiring managers, HR professionals, and business leaders, it’s open to all interested in deepening their HR expertise. Enrollment is flexible and rolling, allowing participants to start at their convenience.
5. Management Skills Training for New & Experienced Managers – Lawrence M. Miller, Institute for Leadership Excellence (Udemy)
“Management Skills Training for New & Experienced Managers,” taught by Lawrence M. Miller at the Institute for Leadership Excellence, is a comprehensive Udemy course designed to develop effective management skills. It is hosted exclusively on Udemy and covers essential topics like team motivation, delegation, conflict resolution, and performance management. The course duration is approximately 7.5 hours, providing a balanced blend of theoretical and practical insights. Upon completion, students receive a certificate, verifying their mastery of these critical skills. The course costs around $94.99, though discounts are frequently available. It holds a strong rating of 4.6 stars, reflecting positive feedback from thousands of participants. A student on Udemy testified, “The course transformed my managerial approach and improved my team’s engagement.” Targeted toward new and experienced managers aiming to enhance their leadership abilities, the course offers open enrollment, enabling learners to join anytime and access content at their own pace.
6. The Wharton Online Leadership & Management Certificate Program – University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
The Wharton Online Leadership & Management Certificate Program, offered by the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Wharton School, is hosted on the Wharton Online platform. This course dives deep into critical leadership topics like strategic decision-making, people management, financial acumen, and organizational change. With a self-paced format, it spans approximately six weeks, requiring 4–6 hours per week. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate from Wharton, validating their skills. The course costs around $3,600, reflecting the quality and value it offers. Past participants rate it highly, with positive reviews on Wharton Online’s site. Research by Kraiger et al. (2020) highlighted online professional training’s effectiveness in enhancing workplace outcomes, aligning with Wharton’s robust content. One student praised the course, stating, “The practical insights transformed my management approach.” It’s ideal for mid-level to senior professionals aiming to enhance leadership capabilities. Enrollment is open, and candidates start anytime, making it highly flexible.
7. Preparing to Manage Human Resources – University of Minnesota (Coursera)
The course “Preparing to Manage Human Resources” by the University of Minnesota is hosted on Coursera. This program covers essential topics in HR management, including recruitment, selection, employee retention, performance appraisal, and legal frameworks. The course spans approximately four weeks, with an expected commitment of 1-3 hours per week. A shareable certification is awarded upon completion. The course cost varies based on the learner’s subscription plan or financial aid. It holds a strong rating of 4.8 out of 5 from learners. A testimonial by S. Harper, an HR manager, notes, “This course equipped me with practical HR skills essential to my career.” The course is ideal for aspiring HR professionals and managers in early career stages. Enroll directly through Coursera’s registration portal.
8. Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization – Coursera (University of Illinois)
The Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization on Coursera, hosted by the University of Illinois, is an advanced course designed to elevate leadership skills and strategic thinking in business. It’s available on the Coursera platform. Key topics include strategy formulation, leadership models, competitive advantage, organizational design, and crisis management. The course duration is approximately 7 months, with an average commitment of 3-4 hours per week. A verified certificate is offered upon completion, adding value to professional credentials. The cost ranges from $49 to $79 per month, depending on subscription options. With a high rating of 4.8/5, it is popular among professionals seeking career advancement. One testimonial from a former student, states, “The course deepened my understanding of strategic frameworks, allowing me to lead more effectively” (Coursera, 2020). This specialization targets mid-to senior-level managers, executives, and business professionals aiming to refine their strategic and leadership skills. Enrollment is straightforward, requiring only a Coursera account and a payment setup for access.
9. People Management: Building High-Performing Teams – LinkedIn Learning
The course “People Management: Building High-Performing Teams” is hosted on LinkedIn Learning. It covers essential topics such as team dynamics, effective communication, conflict resolution, and performance management. The course duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon completion, participants receive a certification. The cost of the course is $34.99 per month, with a free trial available for new users. It has a rating of 4.5 stars based on user feedback. Research by McCleskey (2014) indicates that effective people management leads to increased team performance, and a testimonial from an HR Manager, states, “This course transformed my approach to team leadership, enhancing our team’s productivity.” The target audience includes team leaders, managers, and HR professionals. Enrollment is straightforward through the LinkedIn Learning platform, where users easily sign up and start the course immediately.
10. Management Fundamentals – University of Pennsylvania
The “Management Fundamentals” course at the University of Pennsylvania is designed to provide foundational management skills. It is hosted on the Coursera platform. Topics covered include leadership, strategic thinking, team dynamics, and decision-making. The course duration is 4 weeks, with an estimated commitment of 5-7 hours per week. Participants receive a certificate of completion. The course costs $79, and it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on user reviews. A testimonial from a former student, states, “This course transformed my approach to leadership.” The target audience includes aspiring managers, team leaders, and professionals seeking to enhance their management capabilities. Enrollment is open year-round, and interested individuals register directly through the Coursera website.
11. People Management: Learn How to Connect – Great Manager Institute (Udemy)
The course “People Management: Learn How to Connect” is offered by the Great Manager Institute on Udemy. It covers essential topics such as effective communication, team dynamics, and leadership strategies. The course lasts for 3.5 hours and provides a certificate upon completion. The cost is $99, and it has a rating of 4.5 stars from over 500 students. A testimonial from a manager at Tech Solutions, states, “This course transformed my approach to team management, leading to a more engaged workforce.” The course is designed for team leaders, managers, and HR professionals. Enrollment is open on Udemy, and interested learners sign up anytime.
12. Business Leadership MicroMasters® Program – edX
The Business Leadership MicroMasters® Program is offered on edX. This program covers topics such as strategic management, organizational leadership, and decision-making. It spans 16 weeks and includes self-paced learning modules. Participants receive a MicroMasters® certificate upon completion. The cost of the course is $1,350. It holds an average rating of 4.5 stars based on participant reviews. With one graduate stating, “This program transformed my approach to leadership, equipping me with practical skills that I apply daily.” The course targets mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their leadership abilities. Enrollment is open year-round, with flexible start dates to accommodate diverse schedules.
13. People Management for Emerging Leaders – University of Pennsylvania
The course “People Management for Emerging Leaders” is offered by the University of Pennsylvania. It is hosted on the Coursera platform. Key topics include leadership strategies, team dynamics, and effective communication skills. The course has a duration of approximately four weeks. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate. The course costs around $49. It holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. A testimonial from a course participant, states, “This course transformed my approach to leadership.” The target audience includes emerging leaders and professionals seeking to enhance their management skills. Enrollment information is found on the Coursera website.
14. Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers – LinkedIn Learning
The LinkedIn Learning course “Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers” is designed to empower leaders with effective coaching techniques. It’s hosted on LinkedIn Learning and covers crucial topics like building trust, active listening, and guiding employee development. This 1-hour course provides a certificate of completion upon finishing. The cost is included within a LinkedIn Learning subscription, typically $39.99/month or $26.99/month with an annual plan. Rated at 4.7 stars, it has been highly praised by users. A meta-analysis by Wang et al. (2021) found that workplace coaching improves work-related outcomes, including performance and psychological well-being. A manager’s testimonial shared, “This course revolutionized my approach to team leadership—my team’s productivity soared after I implemented these skills.” Ideal for managers, team leads, and aspiring leaders, enrollment is seamless through LinkedIn’s platform, enabling quick access for professional development.
15. People Management Skills – futurelearn
“15. People Management Skills” is a course hosted on FutureLearn, designed for professionals aiming to develop their management abilities. Topics covered include communication, team motivation, conflict resolution, and feedback practices. The course spans approximately 4 weeks, requiring 3 hours per week. Certification is available upon completion, enhancing CV credibility. The cost varies based on subscription plans, with options for free auditing and a paid certificate. It has a solid rating, with learners praising its practical insights. A testimonial from an HR researcher highlights the course’s role in “equipping managers with actionable skills to boost team performance.” Targeted at new managers, team leaders, and aspiring professionals, the course is accessible and enrollable directly on the FutureLearn platform, with thousands already benefiting from its evidence-based, interactive approach.
16. The Leadership Challenge – Wiley & Sons
The “Leadership Challenge” course by Wiley & Sons offers leaders a research-backed path to mastering leadership. Hosted on Wiley’s e-learning platform, it covers topics like the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, values alignment, motivation, and team building. The course duration is approximately 12 hours, with a certificate awarded upon completion. Priced at $299, it holds an average rating of 4.8/5, reflecting its high-quality content. “The course transformed my approach to leadership,” a testimony shared by a CEO. Ideal for managers, executives, and aspiring leaders, “The Leadership Challenge” empowers individuals to lead with confidence. Enrollment is open on the Wiley website, accessible worldwide for both corporate and individual learners.
Which locations offer top-rated people management courses?
The locations that offer top-rated people management courses are Melbourne, Singapore, and Brisbane. In Melbourne, renowned institutions like Swinburne University of Technology and the University of Melbourne host comprehensive people management programs. Singapore offers programs through institutions such as SMU Academy and the Singapore Human Resources Institute (SHRI). Brisbane also provides top-rated courses through various educational and professional development organizations.
What people management courses are free?
The free people management courses are:
- The Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work – University of London (Coursera)
- Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers – University of Minnesota (Coursera)
- Managing and Managing People – Open University (OpenLearn)
What are the key components of successful people management training courses?
The key components of a successful people management training course are effective communication, leadership development, conflict resolution, team building, coaching and mentoring, performance management, and cultural competency. Effective communication ensures clear and transparent interactions within the team. Leadership development focuses on cultivating strong, capable leaders. Conflict resolution equips managers with strategies to handle disagreements constructively. Team building fosters collaboration and trust among team members. Coaching and mentoring help in personal and professional growth. Performance management teaches how to set goals, provide feedback, and evaluate employee performance. Cultural competency ensures understanding and managing diversity in the workplace. These components collectively contribute to creating well-rounded and effective people managers, enhancing overall organizational performance and employee satisfaction.
What do industry experts say are the essential skills for mastering people management?
Experts like Mads Singers emphasize the importance of treating each team member as an individual and placing them in roles that suit their strengths. This approach simplifies the management process and enhances team performance as outlined in research from the International Journal of Scientific Research and Management (IJSRM) on emotional intelligence and motivational theories. Singers also highlights the need for effective communication, goal alignment, and continuous development to navigate modern workplace challenges. Infusing the strategies into “Strategies For Effective People Management: Leadership, Communication, and Organizational” ensures managers lead with empathy, clarity, and a focus on growth, much like the People Management practices identified in Christ University’s research on organizational performance and scalability.
What did Ashley herd daily say about effective people management?
Ashley Herd emphasizes the importance of daily habits for effective people management, focusing on communication, employee development, and creating a healthy work culture. She believes that mastering these habits transform leadership outcomes and help managers lead their teams successfully without burning out.
What is Mads Singer’s View on People Management?
Mads Singers’ view on people management is centered around treating each team member as an individual and placing them in roles that suit their strengths. He believes that this approach simplifies the management process and enhances team performance. His Effective Management Mastery course is effective for resolving most management challenges because it equips managers with practical strategies for delegation, hiring, firing, motivating staff, conflict resolution, team building, coaching, and effective communication. By focusing on these key areas, the course helps managers develop the skills needed to lead their teams successfully and drive business growth.
What are the challenges that Mads Singers People management course could resolve?
The challenges that Mads Singers’ people management course could resolve include:
1. Ineffective delegation
2. Poor team communication
3. High employee turnover
4. Lack of motivation
5. Unresolved conflicts
6. Inadequate performance management.
The course provides modules that address the issues through practical strategies in delegation, hiring, firing, motivating staff, conflict resolution, team building, coaching, and effective communication. Focusing on these areas, the course equips managers with the skills needed to overcome common management challenges such as micromanagement, ineffective communication, and career development hurdles, which are frequently encountered in HR settings. These topics are central to “Challenges in People Management (and How to Overcome Them)” offering actionable solutions for real-world problems like digital transformation and AI integration, which will likely be key future challenges in the field. Addressing these challenges proactively helps ensure that HR teams maintain efficiency, productivity, and employee morale while fostering organizational growth.
What is the difference between people management training and leadership training?
The difference between people management training and leadership training lies in their focus and objectives. People management training equips managers with skills to handle day-to-day operations, such as delegation, conflict resolution, and performance management, ensuring smooth functioning within the existing framework. On the other hand, leadership training emphasizes strategic vision, inspiring teams, and driving transformational change, preparing leaders to innovate and guide their organizations toward future goals. While both types of training are essential, they complement each other by combining operational efficiency with visionary leadership. Scientifically, research by Lacerenza et al. (2017) shows that organizations that invest in both types of training tend to perform better overall, as they balance maintaining current operations with fostering long-term growth and adaptability.
Do leadership programs include people management skills?
Yes, the leadership programs do include people management skills. Leadership programs are designed to develop comprehensive managerial competencies, which encompass both strategic vision and practical people management skills. These programs typically cover essential topics such as delegation, conflict resolution, team building, and effective communication. According to a study by Lacerenza et al. (2017), leadership programs that integrate people management skills result in improved team performance and higher employee engagement. By combining strategic leadership training with practical people management techniques, these programs ensure that leaders are well-equipped to inspire and manage their teams effectively.
Are there specific certifications for management that are highly recommended?
Yes, there are specific certifications for management that are highly recommended. Some of the top certifications include the Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) also by PMI, and the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) by the Scrum Alliance. These certifications are recognized globally and enhance a manager’s skills and career prospects.