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HR Skills® Best Practices

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The HR Skill® Best Practices certificate consists of courses focused on the behaviors, practices, and approaches that enable HR professionals and managers to foster better connections, communicate effectively, provide useful feedback, and navigate difficult situations. Through quizzes, games, real-world scenarios, and commentary from subject matter experts, the HR Skill® Best Practices certificate helps the learner begin to develop the skills that are the key to a cohesive workforce. The certificate consists of 8 courses that are online and self-paced, providing flexibility in completing the curriculum. No prerequisites are required to begin the courses. A course will be considered complete when the participant has done all assignments, exercises, review checkpoints, and has received at least a 70% on the course final exam. Students will have 12 months to complete all the courses in the certificate.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Smart goals for performance evaluation: using smart goals is widely considered a best practice for setting targets and measuring employee progress. you will learn to recognize whether or not a goal is smart and to outline the process for developing effective smart goals. finally, you'll learn how smart goals can be evaluated and how they can be used to create an action plan that helps employees set and meet their unique targets.
Communication and hr: you will explore the various types of hr communications and communication channels, study the elements of effective communication, and consider strategies for building your communication skills. you will also learn how to write and communicate clearly and with purpose, tailor your messages for defined audiences, and facilitate open communication.
Coaching: **** you will explore how coaching employees is a vital part of management in any organization by discussing the differences between coaching and mentoring, identifying common challenges, monitoring progress, and providing feedback.
Handling difficult conversations: you will learn how to prepare for difficult conversations, focus on employee behavior, engage in active listening, and encourage back-and-forth discussion to make them more productive.

Progressive discipline: you will learn the skills necessary to implement and manage an effective progressive discipline program, a best practice for handling workplace issues by providing opportunities for employees to correct problems through a series of increasingly severe sanctions.
Leadership and hr: you will learn about the leadership aspects of hr: devising and implementing strategic planning and upholding an organization's core values, developing talent and future leaders within the organization, recruiting and maintaining a diverse workforce, creating an inclusive environment, and being ready to handle crises.
Conflict resolution: you will learn to identify different conflict styles along with strategies and best practices for responding to workplace conflict. we also discuss how to identify and respond to dangerous situations. finally, you'll learn about organizational policies and legal considerations for handling conflict.
Problem-solving: you will learn a number of techniques and models for problem-solving. you will also learn about the types of problems hr professionals encounter and apply problem-solving strategies to a number of real-world hr issues.

Smart goals for performance evaluation: using smart goals is widely considered a best practice for setting targets and measuring employee progress. you will learn to recognize whether or not a goal is smart and to outline the process for developing effective smart goals. finally, you'll learn how smart goals can be evaluated and how they can be used to create an action plan that helps employees set and meet their unique targets.
Communication and hr: you will explore the various types of hr communications and communication channels, study the elements of effective communication, and consider strategies for building your communication skills. you will also learn how to write and communicate clearly and with purpose, tailor your messages for defined audiences, and facilitate open communication.
Coaching: **** you will explore how coaching employees is a vital part of management in any organization by discussing the differences between coaching and mentoring, identifying common challenges, monitoring progress, and providing feedback.
Handling difficult conversations: you will learn how to prepare for difficult conversations, focus on employee behavior, engage in active listening, and encourage back-and-forth discussion to make them more productive.
Progressive discipline: you will learn the skills necessary to implement and manage an effective progressive discipline program, a best practice for handling workplace issues by providing opportunities for employees to correct problems through a series of increasingly severe sanctions.
Leadership and hr: you will learn about the leadership aspects of hr: devising and implementing strategic planning and upholding an organization's core values, developing talent and future leaders within the organization, recruiting and maintaining a diverse workforce, creating an inclusive environment, and being ready to handle crises.
Conflict resolution: you will learn to identify different conflict styles along with strategies and best practices for responding to workplace conflict. we also discuss how to identify and respond to dangerous situations. finally, you'll learn about organizational policies and legal considerations for handling conflict.
Problem-solving: you will learn a number of techniques and models for problem-solving. you will also learn about the types of problems hr professionals encounter and apply problem-solving strategies to a number of real-world hr issues.

Syllabus

This program includes in-depth learning on eight crucial HR best practices:

SMART Goals for Performance Evaluation

Communication and HR

Coaching

Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops crucial HR best practices, which are valuable for managing employees and creating a cohesive workforce

Emphasizes communication skills, which are vital for effective HR management

Covers a wide range of HR topics, offering comprehensive knowledge and skills

Provides various learning materials, including quizzes, games, and real-world scenarios, for a dynamic learning experience

Offers flexibility with online and self-paced learning, accommodating busy schedules

Involves commentary from subject matter experts, ensuring industry-relevant insights and practical knowledge

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Reviews summary

Essential hr best practices for professionals

According to students, this course provides a solid foundational understanding of HR best practices, making it particularly beneficial for those new to the field or managers seeking a refresh. Learners frequently highlight the practical application of concepts, noting that the content, including real-world scenarios, enables immediate use in their professional roles. The engaging format, which incorporates quizzes and games alongside expert commentary, is consistently praised for enhancing comprehension and retention. The self-paced learning structure is also a significant positive, offering crucial flexibility for busy professionals. While largely positive, some experienced HR professionals found the course's depth to be more suited for entry-level or foundational knowledge rather than advanced insights.

Self-paced nature supports busy professional schedules.

"The self-paced nature was perfect for my busy work schedule, allowing me to fit the modules around my full-time job."

"I appreciated the flexibility to complete lessons on my own time without rigid deadlines, which was a huge plus."

"Being able to access the material whenever I wanted made it easy to learn at my own pace and truly absorb the content."

Interactive elements enhance learning and retention.

"The quizzes, games, and expert commentary made learning enjoyable and kept me engaged throughout the course."

"I appreciated the interactive elements and realistic scenarios, they really helped me to understand complex topics."

"The course's engaging delivery style, with its practical exercises, made complex HR concepts much more accessible."

Offers a strong base for new or refreshing HR skills.

"This course is excellent for someone new to HR or a manager needing a solid understanding of best practices."

"It provided a strong foundation for understanding key HR concepts and navigating various workplace situations."

"I found it a great refresher on essential best practices and principles, especially after being out of formal training for a while."

Delivers immediately applicable strategies for HR roles.

"I found the methods taught here very practical for my daily HR tasks; I can immediately apply these strategies to my team."

"The real-world scenarios and examples really helped solidify the concepts, making them easy to implement."

"I learned practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work, which was incredibly valuable."

May be basic for seasoned HR professionals.

"As an experienced HR manager, some topics felt like a review; I was hoping for more advanced strategies."

"While comprehensive for beginners, I didn't find much new after years in the HR field."

"Good for building a base, but don't expect deep dives into highly complex or niche HR challenges."

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 HR Skills® Best Practices with these activities:

Review Key HR Concepts and Best Practices

Show steps

Refresh your foundational knowledge of essential HR concepts and best practices to ensure a solid understanding of the core principles covered in this course.

Browse courses on HR

Show steps

Review your past notes or course materials on HR concepts
Explore online resources or articles to reinforce your understanding

Review the Book: Leading with Emotional Intelligence

Show steps

Dive deep into the key principles of emotional intelligence and enhance your ability to foster healthy work relationships, motivate employees, and navigate challenges effectively.

View HBR's 10 Must Reads on Strengthening Your Soft... on Amazon

Show steps

Read through each chapter, highlighting essential concepts
Take time to reflect on your own emotional intelligence skills
Identify areas for personal and professional development

Explore the Book: Difficult Conversations

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Gain insights into effective strategies for navigating difficult conversations, empowering you to approach challenging discussions with greater confidence and skill.

View Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What... on Amazon

Show steps

Read through the book, focusing on key principles and techniques
Identify your own common challenges in difficult conversations
Develop a plan to improve your approach to these conversations

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Learn Basic Conflict Resolution Techniques

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Acquire practical techniques to resolve conflicts productively, improving your ability to navigate challenging workplace situations with diplomacy and effectiveness.

Browse courses on Conflict Resolution

Show steps

Explore online tutorials or workshops on conflict resolution
Practice active listening and empathy in your daily interactions
Role play conflict scenarios to develop your problem-solving skills

Practice Effective Communication Skills

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Engage in deliberate practice of effective communication techniques to improve your ability to convey messages clearly, actively listen to others, and foster open and productive dialogue.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

Show steps

Role-play different communication scenarios
Practice active listening by summarizing and clarifying what others say
Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors on your communication style

Join a Peer Support Group for HR Professionals

Show steps

Connect with other HR professionals to share experiences, discuss challenges, and support each other's professional development, creating a valuable network for ongoing learning and growth.

Browse courses on HR

Show steps

Identify and join a peer support group specifically for HR professionals
Attend group meetings and actively participate in discussions
Share your own experiences and insights with the group

Develop a Coaching Plan for an Employee

Show steps

Create a comprehensive coaching plan tailored to an employee's specific needs, helping you apply the principles of effective coaching and foster their professional growth.

Browse courses on Coaching

Show steps

Identify the employee's strengths and areas for improvement
Establish clear goals and objectives for the coaching plan
Develop specific strategies and interventions to support the employee's development
Monitor the employee's progress and make adjustments as needed
Evaluate the effectiveness of the coaching plan and make improvements

Contribute to an Open-Source HR Project

Show steps

Immerse yourself in the practical application of HR concepts by contributing to an open-source project, gaining hands-on experience and expanding your professional network.

Browse courses on HR

Show steps

Identify an open-source project related to HR
Review the project's documentation and contribute code or documentation
Engage with the project's community to learn from others

Career center

Learners who complete HR Skills® Best Practices will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Specialists assist Human Resources Managers with the administration of human resource policies and procedures. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as benefits, payroll, and performance management. This course may be useful for Human Resources Specialists who want to improve their skills in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Specialist

Employee Relations Manager

Employee Relations Managers handle employee relations issues, such as grievances, complaints, and disciplinary actions. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as benefits and payroll. This course may be useful for Employee Relations Managers who want to improve their skills in communication, coaching, and handling difficult conversations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Manager

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Compensation and Benefits Managers develop and administer compensation and benefits programs for employees. They may also manage employee relations and provide support to employees with issues such as benefits and payroll. This course may be useful for Compensation and Benefits Managers who want to improve their skills in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compensation and Benefits Manager

Training and Development Manager

Training and Development Managers develop and implement training programs for employees. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as career development and performance management. This course may be useful for Training and Development Managers who want to improve their skills in communication, coaching, and problem-solving.

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

Organizational Development Manager

Organizational Development Managers develop and implement strategies to improve the effectiveness of organizations. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as career development and performance management. This course may be useful for Organizational Development Managers who want to improve their skills in communication, coaching, and problem-solving.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers develop and implement strategies to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as career development and performance management. This course may be useful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers who want to improve their skills in communication, coaching, and conflict resolution.

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

Employee Engagement Manager

Employee Engagement Managers develop and implement strategies to improve employee engagement. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as career development and performance management. This course may be useful for Employee Engagement Managers who want to improve their skills in communication, coaching, and problem-solving.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Engagement Manager

Labor Relations Manager

Labor Relations Managers handle labor relations issues, such as collective bargaining and grievances. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as benefits and payroll. This course may be useful for Labor Relations Managers who want to improve their skills in communication, coaching, and handling difficult conversations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Labor Relations Manager

HR Analyst

HR Analysts collect and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions about human resource issues. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as benefits and payroll. This course may be useful for HR Analysts who want to improve their skills in communication, problem-solving, and data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for HR Analyst

HR Consultant

HR Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on human resource issues. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as benefits and payroll. This course may be useful for HR Consultants who want to improve their skills in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

See salaries and explore the career path for HR Consultant

HR Business Partner

HR Business Partners work closely with business leaders to align human resource strategies with business goals. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as benefits and payroll. This course may be useful for HR Business Partners who want to improve their skills in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

See salaries and explore the career path for HR Business Partner

Chief Human Resources Officer

Chief Human Resources Officers are responsible for the overall human resource strategy of an organization. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as benefits and payroll. This course may be useful for Chief Human Resources Officers who want to improve their skills in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Human Resources Officer

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the human resource activities of an organization. They develop and implement policies and procedures, recruit and hire new employees, and manage employee relations. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers who want to improve their skills in coaching, handling difficult conversations, and resolving conflict.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

People Operations Manager

People Operations Managers develop and implement strategies to improve the people operations of an organization. They may also provide support to employees with issues such as benefits and payroll. This course may be useful for People Operations Managers who want to improve their skills in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

See salaries and explore the career path for People Operations Manager

Recruiter

Recruiters identify, attract, and hire new employees for organizations. They may also manage employee relations and provide support to employees with issues such as benefits and payroll. This course may be useful for Recruiters who want to improve their skills in communication, coaching, and handling difficult conversations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

Reading list

We've selected six 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 HR Skills® Best Practices.

Cover image

Cover image

Human Resources Management, Global Edition

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of human resource management, covering topics such as employee recruitment, selection, training, and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, and employee relations.

Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, Global...

Human Resource Management, Global Edition

Human Resources Management, Global Edition

Human Resource Management: Global Edition

Human Resource Management, Global Edition

Cover image

Cover image

Strategic Human Resource Management

Save

Provides a framework for understanding the role of HR in strategic planning and decision-making. It covers topics such as HR strategy development, talent management, and workforce analytics.

STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, 5E

Strategic Human Resource Management

Strategic Human Resource Management

Strategic Human Resource Management

Strategic Human Resource Management

Strategic Human Resource Management

Bundle: Strategic Human Resource Management, Loose...

MindTap Management, 1 term (6 months) Printed...

Printed Access Code

Cover image

Cover image

Human Resources Management Success: The Ulrich...

Save

Provides a practical guide to developing and using HR metrics to measure the effectiveness of HR programs and initiatives. It covers topics such as HR metrics selection, data collection, and analysis.

Human Resources Management Success: The Ulrich...

Cover image

Cover image

Leadership Pipeline

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to talent management, covering topics such as talent acquisition, development, and retention. It includes case studies and best practices from leading organizations.

The Leadership Pipeline: Developing Leaders in the...

Cover image

Cover image

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of the HR executive, covering topics such as strategic planning, talent management, and employee relations. It includes case studies and best practices from leading organizations.

Maury Maverick: A Political Biography by Henderson...

Unknown Binding

Maury Maverick: A Political Biography

Cover image

Cover image

Global HR Competencies: Mastering Competitive Value...

Save

Provides a thought-provoking look at the future of human resource management, covering topics such as the changing role of HR, the impact of technology, and the need for HR to become more strategic. It includes case studies and best practices from leading organizations.

Global HR Competencies: Mastering Competitive Value...

Global HR Competencies: Mastering Competitive Value...

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Effort

1 to 10 hours per week for 2 weeks

Level

Introductory

Via

edX

Institution

MindEdge

Language

English

Transcript

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops crucial HR best practices, which are valuable for managing employees and creating a cohesive workforce

Emphasizes communication skills, which are vital for effective HR management

Covers a wide range of HR topics, offering comprehensive knowledge and skills

Provides various learning materials, including quizzes, games, and real-world scenarios, for a dynamic learning experience

Offers flexibility with online and self-paced learning, accommodating busy schedules

Involves commentary from subject matter experts, ensuring industry-relevant insights and practical knowledge

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