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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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/pl32zn/hr
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
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
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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 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.
Employee Relations Manager
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.
Compensation and Benefits 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.
Training and Development 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.
Organizational 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.
Diversity and Inclusion 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.
Employee Engagement 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.
Labor Relations 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.
HR Analyst
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.
HR Consultant
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.
HR Business Partner
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.
Chief Human Resources Officer
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.
Human Resources Manager
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.
People Operations 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.
Recruiter
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pl32zn/hr
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pl32zn/hr
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