We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

How to be a People Leader

In this course, we’ll be looking at leadership through the lens of psychological health and safety, which means we’ll be diving into the real workplace factors that shape well-being—things like stress, burnout, inclusion, communication, and conflict resolution.

We start by laying the foundation of strong leadership—what makes an effective leader, how your leadership style impacts your team, and how you can build trust, engagement, and accountability in your workplace.

We’ll also focus on employee mental health—how to recognize when someone on your team may be struggling, how to support them effectively, and how to ensure that mental health conversations are handled in a way that reduces stigma and fosters trust.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until December 2

Annual Subscription

Invest in your career growth and save. Start your annual subscription to Coursera Plus and access 10,000+ programs.

Valid until March 12, 2027

Save 40% Off 3 Months

Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Specialization

Instructor Introduction

Module 1: Course Introduction

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Career center

Learners who complete How to be a People Leader will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Resources Business Partner

A Human Resources Business Partner collaborates closely with business units to align HR strategies with organizational goals, focusing on employee well-being, talent management, and organizational development. This course, "How to be a People Leader," provides a robust foundation for this role by delving into psychological health and safety, stress, burnout, and fostering inclusion. Understanding effective leadership styles and building trust, engagement, and accountability, as taught in the course, is crucial for supporting leaders and teams. The modules on DEI, communication, and managing workplace conflict are particularly relevant, equipping one to navigate complex employee relations and contribute to a positive work culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Business Partner

Workplace Wellness Coordinator

A Workplace Wellness Coordinator develops and implements programs focused on improving the physical and mental well-being of employees within an organization. The "How to be a People Leader" course is an outstanding fit for a Workplace Wellness Coordinator, as its core themes revolve around psychological health and safety, stress, burnout, and employee mental health. The course explicitly addresses how work impacts team mental wellness, how to recognize and support struggling team members, and how to foster trust and reduce stigma in mental health conversations. These insights are fundamental to designing holistic wellness initiatives and creating a supportive work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Workplace Wellness Coordinator

Team Leader

A Team Leader guides a group of individuals to achieve common objectives, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of team dynamics. The "How to be a People Leader" course is exceptionally well-suited for aspiring and current Team Leaders, as it directly addresses what makes an effective leader and how leadership style impacts team performance. The focus on psychological health and safety, including recognizing and supporting team members struggling with mental wellness, is vital for creating a high-performing and supportive environment. Modules on communication, managing workplace conflict, and creating a positive work culture directly translate into the daily responsibilities of a Team Leader.

See salaries and explore the career path for Team Leader

Employee Relations Specialist

An Employee Relations Specialist mediates workplace disputes, ensures fair treatment, and provides guidance on policies to foster a harmonious work environment. The "How to be a People Leader" course offers highly relevant insights for an Employee Relations Specialist, particularly its deep dive into workplace psychological health and safety, managing stress, and resolving conflict. The course's focus on recognizing and supporting employees struggling with mental wellness, and handling such conversations with trust and reduced stigma, is paramount. Understanding effective leadership and building trust, as taught in the course, helps in advising leaders on best practices and developing strategies to prevent issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Specialist

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager

A Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager develops and implements strategies to create an inclusive and equitable workplace culture where all employees feel valued and respected. The "How to be a People Leader" course is highly relevant for a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager. It directly addresses DEI in a dedicated module and integrates concepts of inclusion, psychological health, and safety throughout. The course's emphasis on fostering trust, communication, and creating a positive work culture are fundamental to this role's objectives. Understanding how leadership styles impact teams and promoting accountability, as discussed in the course, helps in embedding DEI principles at all levels of an organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager

Employee Engagement Manager

An Employee Engagement Manager designs and implements strategies to foster a positive and productive work environment where employees feel connected, motivated, and committed to the organization's success. The "How to be a People Leader" course is highly relevant for an Employee Engagement Manager, as it directly focuses on building trust, engagement, and accountability. The course's emphasis on creating a positive work culture, understanding leadership's impact, and addressing workplace psychological health and safety, including stress and burnout, provides crucial insights for boosting morale. Modules on effective communication and DEI are also essential components for fostering a truly engaged workforce.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Engagement Manager

Leadership Coach

A Leadership Coach partners with individuals, typically leaders and executives, to enhance their leadership capabilities, decision-making, and team management skills. The "How to be a People Leader" course provides an exceptional foundation for aspiring Leadership Coaches, offering deep insights into effective leadership, building trust, engagement, and accountability. The course's unique lens of psychological health and safety, and its exploration of how leadership impacts employee well-being, stress, and burnout, are crucial for coaching leaders on creating supportive environments. Modules on communication, DEI, and conflict resolution further equip a coach to address diverse leadership challenges. This role often benefits from an advanced degree and certification.

See salaries and explore the career path for Leadership Coach

Organizational Development Consultant

An Organizational Development Consultant works with organizations to improve their effectiveness by assessing and implementing changes in structures, processes, and culture. This role benefits significantly from the "How to be a People Leader" course, which explores leadership through the lens of psychological health and safety and workplace factors like stress, burnout, and inclusion. The course's emphasis on building trust, engagement, and accountability, alongside modules on DEI, managing workplace conflict, and creating a positive work culture, provides essential insights for designing and implementing organizational change initiatives. This career path often requires an advanced degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Consultant

Talent Development Specialist

A Talent Development Specialist designs and delivers programs aimed at enhancing employee skills, career progression, and overall organizational capabilities. The "How to be a People Leader" course may be useful for a Talent Development Specialist, as it provides a strong understanding of what constitutes effective leadership and how to foster a supportive environment where talent can flourish. The course's focus on psychological health and safety, communication, and managing workplace conflict contributes to developing well-rounded individuals and leaders capable of building high-performing teams. Insights into creating a positive work culture are also vital for retaining and growing talent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Development Specialist

Learning and Development Manager

A Learning and Development Manager is responsible for creating and executing training programs that enhance employee skills, performance, and career growth within an organization. The "How to be a People Leader" course provides an excellent framework for a Learning and Development Manager, equipping them with a deep understanding of what constitutes effective leadership and how to foster psychological health and safety. The insights into communication, managing workplace conflict, and the importance of DEI, as covered in the course, are directly applicable to designing impactful leadership development and team-building interventions. The focus on employee mental health further informs the creation of comprehensive well-being programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning and Development Manager

Change Management Specialist

A Change Management Specialist helps organizations and their employees successfully navigate significant transitions, focusing on managing the human aspect of change. The "How to be a People Leader" course may be useful for a Change Management Specialist, as it provides valuable insights into effective leadership, building trust, and engaging teams, which are critical during periods of change. Understanding workplace factors like stress and burnout, and the importance of psychological health and safety, helps in mitigating resistance and supporting employee well-being during transitions. The modules on communication, managing workplace conflict, and creating a positive work culture are directly relevant to facilitating smooth organizational shifts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Change Management Specialist

Project Manager

A Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and closing of projects, requiring strong leadership to guide diverse teams to successful completion. The "How to be a People Leader" course may be useful for a Project Manager, as it emphasizes building trust, engagement, and accountability within a team. The course's focus on effective communication and managing workplace conflict is particularly relevant, allowing Project Managers to navigate stakeholder expectations and team disagreements more effectively. Understanding how work impacts team mental wellness and supporting employees, as covered in the course, contributes to maintaining team morale and productivity during demanding project cycles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Operations Manager

An Operations Manager supervises daily business activities and often leads large teams to ensure efficiency, productivity, and quality across an organization. The "How to be a People Leader" course may be useful for an Operations Manager, as it delves into what makes an effective leader and how leadership style impacts team performance. The course's focus on managing workplace factors like stress, burnout, and inclusion, as well as handling employee mental health discussions, is directly applicable to maintaining a healthy and productive operational environment. Modules on communication and managing workplace conflict also enhance the ability to lead and motivate teams effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Corporate Trainer

A Corporate Trainer designs and delivers workshops and training sessions to employees on various topics, including leadership, soft skills, and professional development. The "How to be a People Leader" course may be useful for a Corporate Trainer, as it provides comprehensive content on effective leadership, communication, and managing workplace conflict. The insights into psychological health and safety, stress, burnout, and fostering a positive work culture equip trainers to develop and deliver highly relevant programs that address critical organizational needs. Understanding how to build trust and engagement, as taught in the course, also enhances a trainer's ability to facilitate impactful learning experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Trainer

Workplace Investigator

A Workplace Investigator conducts objective inquiries into employee complaints, such as harassment, discrimination, or policy violations, to ensure a fair and respectful work environment. The "How to be a People Leader" course may be useful for a Workplace Investigator, as it provides a foundational understanding of managing workplace conflict, communication, and the critical importance of psychological health and safety. The insights into DEI and dealing with employee mental illness in the workplace are particularly relevant for handling sensitive cases with empathy and integrity. Understanding how to build trust, as covered in the course, is essential for gaining credible information during investigations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Workplace Investigator

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to be a People Leader.

Getting to Yes

Save

Classic in the field of conflict resolution and provides a step-by-step guide to negotiating agreements without giving in. It is written by three of the world's leading experts on negotiation and has been translated into more than 30 languages.

How to be a People Leader

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Save this course

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

14-Day Refund Guarantee

Verified Academic & Industry Partner