English in the Workplace: Soft skills from Coursera

El propósito de este MOOC es entregar las herramientas lingüísticas necesarias para la expresión de habilidades blandas en el contexto laboral, tales como: comunicación efectiva, escucha activa, gestión de reuniones, delegación de trabajo, manejo de conflictos y retroalimentación efectiva, de acuerdo a lo establecido en el nivel B1 del Marco Común Europeo de Referencia para las Lenguas (MCER).

Los profesionales y el personal ejecutivo de diferentes empresas necesitan tener habilidades para aplicar de manera competitiva el inglés en sus actividades laborales. Al dominar el vocabulario y las estructuras gramaticales en inglés, centrándose en habilidades blandas como la comunicación efectiva, la escucha activa, la gestión de reuniones, la delegación de tareas, el manejo de conflictos y la retroalimentación efectiva, pueden aumentar su valor profesional, mejorar sus competencias laborales y disfrutar de una mayor movilidad en el ámbito laboral.

Este programa se realizará en modalidad online y ocupará una metodología auto instruccional, la que permite gestionar el tiempo propio de los participantes para compatibilizar el programa con las exigencias diarias del trabajo, a un ritmo que se adecúe al proceso de aprendizaje individual. El curso considera el uso de videos y textos de lectura que contextualizan el uso de habilidades blandas recurrentes, en las que las formas léxicas y sintácticas que se revisan -en cada módulo- son presentadas a través de un profesor virtual y experiencias narradas por expertos en cada tema. También se contará con ejercicios de aplicación de contenidos lingüísticos en respuesta a las cápsulas expositivas.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

The purpose of this self-instructional course is to teach lexical-grammatical structures in English at the intermediate level (B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) used in soft skills in the workplace, such as effective communication, active listening, meeting management, delegation, conflict management, and effective feedback.

MODULE 1: Effective Communication & Active Listening

Module 1 opens with our expert Christopher MacGuire sharing his insights on two essential workplace soft skills: effective communication and active listening. You will be able to learn and practice expressions necessary to achieve effective communication through the identification of emotions, thoughts and intentions, and active listening in the work context. Further, with the virtual teacher’s help, you will analyze and practice tag and echo questions.

MODULE 2: Meeting Management & Delegating

Renowned leadership professor Rodrigo Jordán begins the module by giving his opinion on effective meeting management in an engaging interview. In the second part, he provides some valuable reflections on workplace delegation. Throughout the module you will be able to analyze and practice the lexical structures associated with the aforementioned soft skills, empowering you to use them confidently.

MODULE 3: Managing Conflicts & Effective Feedback

The Module starts with an interesting interview featuring psychologist Isidora Brieba Vial where she presents her views on managing conflicts. Then, in the second part, we turn to Francisca Yañez, who holds a Ph.D in economics and engineering, as she explores the skill of providing effective feedback in the professional sphere. In this module, expressions and strategies for both conflict management and effective feedback are analyzed in depth.

Course Completion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines various soft skills in the workplace, like effective communication and active listening, meeting management, delegation, conflict management, and effective feedback

Uses videos and texts to contextualize the use of soft skills, like effective communication and active listening, meeting management, delegation, conflict management, and effective feedback

Provides lexical-grammatical structures in the context of workplace scenarios and real-life examples

Allows students to practice and analyze language structures through exercises and activities

Emphasizes the importance of language skills for career advancement and professional growth

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in English in the Workplace: Soft skills with these activities:

Find a mentor who can provide feedback on your communication skills

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A mentor can provide you with valuable feedback on your communication skills and help you develop professionally.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify the skills you want to develop.
Reach out to potential mentors and ask for their help.
Schedule regular meetings with your mentor.

Review "Business Communication for Success"

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Reading this book will help you master the vocabulary and structures needed to communicate effectively in the workplace.

View Business Communication for Success Version 2.0 on Amazon

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Read the first chapter and make a list of unfamiliar terms and phrases.
Find definitions for the unfamiliar terms and phrases.
Write a summary of the chapter.

Practice writing effective emails

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Regularly writing emails in a work context will strengthen your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in writing.

Browse courses on Effective Communication

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Identify an email you need to write for work.
Follow the guidelines for writing effective emails.
Write the email and have a colleague review it for feedback.

Four other activities

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Attend a workshop on active listening

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This workshop will provide you with the skills and techniques you need to listen effectively in a workplace setting.

Browse courses on Active Listening

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Research active listening workshops in your area.
Register for a workshop that fits your schedule and interests.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.

Volunteer as a meeting facilitator

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This experience will allow you to practice the skills of managing meetings effectively in a real-world setting.

Browse courses on Meeting Management

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Contact a local organization that needs help with meeting facilitation.
Offer your services and explain your qualifications.
Meet with the organization to discuss the role and expectations.

Create a presentation on conflict management

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In this exercise, you will explore the topic of conflict management and develop your presentation skills.

Browse courses on Conflict Management

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Research different conflict management styles and strategies.
Create a presentation that outlines the different styles and strategies.
Practice delivering your presentation.

Organize notes and materials from the course

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Organizing your materials will make it easier to review and retain the information you have learned.

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Go through your notes and identify the key concepts.
Create a system for organizing your materials.
Review your materials regularly.

Career center

Learners who complete English in the Workplace: Soft skills will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing all aspects of human resources within an organization. They need to have a strong understanding of conflict management, as well as the ability to provide effective feedback. This course can help aspiring human resources managers develop the skills necessary for success in this demanding role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Manager

Managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a team or department. They need to have excellent communication, delegation, and conflict management skills. This course can help aspiring managers develop the skills they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manager

Meeting Planner

Meeting planners are responsible for planning and organizing meetings, conferences, and other events. They need to have excellent communication, organizational, and meeting management skills. This course can provide aspiring meeting planners with the skills they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meeting Planner

Event Planner

Event planners are responsible for organizing and executing all aspects of events, from small gatherings to large conferences. They need to have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage conflict effectively. This course can provide aspiring event planners with the skills they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

International Relations Manager

International relations managers are responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with foreign governments, businesses, and organizations. They need to be skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity. This course can help aspiring international relations managers build a strong foundation in these essential areas.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Manager

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are responsible for managing the public image of organizations. They need to have excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills. This course can provide aspiring public relations specialists with the skills they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Lawyer

Lawyers need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, and they need to be able to manage conflict effectively. This course can provide aspiring lawyers with the skills they need to be successful.

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Teacher

Teachers are responsible for educating students in a variety of subjects. They need to have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. This course can provide aspiring teachers with the skills they need to be successful.

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Customer Service Manager

Customer Service Managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of customer service within an organization. They need to possess excellent communication and active listening skills in order to resolve customer issues effectively. This course can help build a strong foundation for those aspiring to become customer service managers, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Manager

Negotiator

Negotiators are responsible for representing their clients in negotiations with other parties. They need to be able to communicate effectively, build rapport, and manage conflict effectively. This course can provide aspiring negotiators with the skills they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Negotiator

Sales Manager

Sales managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of sales for an organization. They need to have excellent communication, leadership, and negotiation skills. This course can provide aspiring sales managers with the skills they need to be successful.

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Consultant

Consultants often specialize in a particular area of expertise, such as business or technology. They use their deep understanding of soft skills to help clients identify and solve complex problems. This course can provide consulting professionals with foundational knowledge of various soft skills.

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Recruiter

Recruiters are responsible for finding and hiring new employees for organizations. They need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This course can provide aspiring recruiters with the skills they need to be successful.

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Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts use their communication skills to conduct surveys, focus groups, and other research activities. They need to be able to analyze data and present their findings to clients. This course can help aspiring market research analysts develop the skills they need to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Business Analyst

Business analysts use their expertise in communication and organizational skills to help businesses improve their operations. A sound understanding of effective communication, listening, meeting management, and feedback will prove useful to those who wish to enter the field of business analysis. This course can help aspiring business analysts begin to develop these skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst