Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will work through three modules of material. Each module is broken into smaller lessons. These will help you prepare to become an effective manager and team leader. You will explore team management concepts, effective communication strategies, problem-solving and decision-making techniques, and so much more

Throughout the course, you will find readings, videos, and a variety of interactive elements. These include lightning rounds, flashcards, interactive scenarios, Percipio AI simulations, and more. Engaging with these activities reinforces new learning. It also complements the knowledge you bring to this area of study. 

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • The student assesses individual strengths, skills, and competencies within a team to assign roles efficiently, ensuring optimal team performance and alignment with project goals. 
  • The student designs and implements team structures that maximize efficiency and productivity based on individual skill assessments and task requirements. 
  • The student exhibits strong active listening and empathetic communication skills to build trust during one-on-one meetings. 
  • The student utilizes coaching techniques to identify areas for improvement, provide developmental support, and foster an environment where team members feel supported and understood. 
  • The student gives specific, actionable, and measurable feedback using structured models, ensuring clarity and measurable improvement. 
  • The student conducts performance review conversations focused on development and growth while maintaining a professional and constructive approach. 
  • The student applies a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion principles to create strategies that foster an inclusive work environment. 
  • The student leads diverse teams effectively by ensuring all members feel valued, respected, and supported while promoting practices that minimize bias and encourage a culture of belonging.

Assessment

You will demonstrate competency through one performance-based assessment. You must achieve a ranking of Competent on the assessment to pass the course.

The assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Team.

1 Final Project
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
People Management
  • Assess individual strengths, skills, and competencies through observation, coaching, and data analysis to optimize team roles. 
  • Match task requirements with team members’ abilities to ensure alignment with project needs and goals. 
  • Develop and implement a team strategy that balances workload distribution to maintain efficiency and productivity. 
  • Monitor team performance indicators and adjust team structures as needed to adapt to changing goals or dynamics.
Coaching and Development
  • Apply active listening and reflective feedback techniques to build understanding and trust. 
  • Use open-ended questioning to identify individual development needs and foster self-reflection. 
  • Provide specific, actionable, and timely feedback to support performance improvement. 
  • Create individualized development plans that outline goals, milestones, and support mechanisms for ongoing growth. 
  • Develop and monitor action plans that align employee growth with organizational goals. 
  • Facilitate skill development and career growth through targeted opportunities and coaching. 
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning by encouraging accountability, peer collaboration, and self-improvement. 
  • Recognize achievements and celebrate milestones to motivate and engage team members
Diversity and Inclusion
  • Explain fundamental diversity and inclusion (D&I) principles and their importance in fostering an inclusive workplace. 
  • Identify potential barriers to inclusion within workplace dynamics and propose strategies to address them.
  • Promote open communication and collaboration among diverse team members to ensure all voices are heard. 
  • Implement practices that foster a culture of belonging, ensuring equal opportunities and respect for all. 
  • Develop sensitivity-driven strategies to address challenges related to diversity and inclusion.

Key Contacts

Certificate Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.