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Vasanthi Srinivasan

All entrepreneurs, by definition are people managers. As founder and owners, they hire people, groom them, motivate them, and harness their talent towards effective management of enterprise. Yet most entrepreneur believe that effective people management is common sense and is acquired through life experience.

While there is some truth to this belief, people management is also a science .It also comprises of principles, procedures and systems that need to be in place as the enterprise begin to groom. Many owners agree that in today’s economy people are the key differentiators in small and medium businesses.

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All entrepreneurs, by definition are people managers. As founder and owners, they hire people, groom them, motivate them, and harness their talent towards effective management of enterprise. Yet most entrepreneur believe that effective people management is common sense and is acquired through life experience.

While there is some truth to this belief, people management is also a science .It also comprises of principles, procedures and systems that need to be in place as the enterprise begin to groom. Many owners agree that in today’s economy people are the key differentiators in small and medium businesses.

The objective of the course is to create awareness on :

* The key principles of people management.

* Critically understand how HR practices contribute to the enterprise sustainability in the long run.

* Understand the role that owner/founders play in creating high performing organization.

The best ideas and strategies are of no consequence without the right people to translate them to action and we would aim at throwing some light on these aspects.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • What you’ll learn:
  • A) to appreciate the role of entrepreneurs as people managers.
  • B) how to implement human resources practices to build a sustainable enterprise.
  • C) to understand and appreciate the role systems and processes play in effective people management.
  • D) to enhance effectiveness in harnessing human capital for long-term sustainability of the venture.

Syllabus

Week 1 : Thinking like an owner/founder.
Week 2 : People as a source of competitive advantage.
Week 3 : Hiring the right people.
Week 4 : Live Webinar with Professor.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces concepts that apply directly to the daily tasks of the target audience
Taught by an individual who is an acknowledged expert in entrepreneurship
Emphasizes the importance of aligning people management strategies with overall business goals
Encourages participants to critically evaluate the role of human resources in long-term sustainability
Provides guidance on developing effective systems and processes for managing people

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Reviews summary

Practical people management for entrepreneurs

According to students, this course is a highly practical and foundational guide for entrepreneurs on effective people management. Learners consistently praise the instructor's expertise and clear delivery, making complex topics easy to grasp and immediately applicable. Key modules like creating a performance culture, hiring the right people, and implementing sustainable HR practices are frequently highlighted as valuable. While ideal for new and first-time entrepreneurs, some experienced professionals found the content to be introductory, seeking more advanced strategies.
Provides valuable direct interaction and Q&A.
"The webinar was a great touch, allowing for direct interaction."
"The live webinar was beneficial for Q&A."
"The live webinar was helpful, but overall, it didn't fully meet my expectations for practical application."
Perfectly suited for those new to people management.
"As a first-time entrepreneur, this was exactly what I needed."
"It's great for new entrepreneurs, but experienced managers might find it covers familiar ground."
"It provided a great framework to approach HR in my small business. Would recommend."
"A solid course for getting started with people management."
Key areas like performance culture and hiring are highly valued.
"...especially the modules on creating a performance culture and grooming talent."
"I particularly liked the structured approach to hiring and understanding competitive advantage."
"The section on hiring the right people was particularly strong."
"I especially valued the insights on performance culture. This course is a must for anyone starting or running a business."
Professor's insights are valuable and clearly delivered.
"The professor's insights were incredibly valuable, especially the modules on creating a performance culture..."
"The instructor explains complex ideas simply."
"The professor is a true expert and passionate about the subject."
"The depth of knowledge shared by the instructor, combined with the clear, concise delivery, made complex topics easy to grasp."
Provides immediately actionable strategies and frameworks.
"I found the practical frameworks immediately applicable to my startup."
"Truly helped me shift my mindset from just managing tasks to truly managing people as assets. The content is well-organized and the lectures are clear."
"The practical examples and tools provided were super helpful."
"The frameworks are actionable. I've already started applying some of the principles to my business."
Some desire more diverse and recent examples.
"I wished for more diverse real-world case studies beyond large Indian corporates..."
"The examples felt generic. I expected more depth from an IIMB course."
"The course might benefit from more recent case studies, but the core principles remain relevant."
May be too basic for those with prior HR experience.
"Decent course, but it felt a bit introductory for someone who already has some HR background."
"Found this course quite basic... I expected more depth from an IIMB course."
"While the principles are sound, I was looking for more advanced strategies for scaling HR operations in a rapidly growing company."
"The material is sound, but useful for absolute beginners, maybe less so for others."

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 People Management for Entrepreneurs with these activities:
Review the basic principles of people management
Review the basic principles of people management to ensure you have a solid foundation before the course begins
Browse courses on People Management
Show steps
  • Read a book or article on people management
  • Attend a workshop or webinar on people management
  • Review your notes from a previous course on people management
Recall key concepts from Entrepreneurship 101
Strengthen your foundation in entrepreneurship by reviewing core concepts to prepare for more advanced material covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Review your notes and materials from Entrepreneurship 101.
  • Complete practice questions or exercises related to entrepreneurship fundamentals.
Review Basic Human Resources (HR)
Reviewing basic HR principles will strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Employee Management
Show steps
  • Read a beginner-friendly article or book on HR.
  • Take an online course or workshop on HR fundamentals.
  • Attend a webinar or seminar on HR best practices.
16 other activities
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Show all 19 activities
Read "The Effective Manager" by Peter Drucker
Read "The Effective Manager" by Peter Drucker to gain insights from one of the leading management thinkers of our time
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes
  • Summarize the key takeaways from the book
  • Apply the principles from the book to your own management style
Participate in online discussions and forums to exchange ideas
Engage with peers to share perspectives and insights on course topics
Browse courses on People Management
Show steps
  • Identify relevant online discussions or forums
  • Read and analyze the discussions
  • Contribute your own thoughts and ideas
  • Engage in respectful and constructive discussions
Engage in peer discussions on HR best practices
Expand your knowledge and gain insights by sharing ideas and experiences with peers who are also pursuing similar goals.
Show steps
  • Join or create a study group or discussion forum.
  • Actively participate in discussions, sharing your thoughts and seeking feedback from others.
Practice hiring and interviewing techniques
Practice hiring and interviewing techniques to improve your ability to find and hire the best talent
Browse courses on Hiring
Show steps
  • Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues
  • Review sample interview questions and answers
  • Attend a workshop or webinar on interviewing skills
Conduct Mock Interviews
Conducting mock interviews will provide you with hands-on experience in applying HR practices.
Show steps
  • Identify a job posting or create a hypothetical scenario.
  • Develop a list of interview questions.
  • Practice interviewing a candidate.
  • Provide feedback to the candidate and reflect on your own performance.
Explore case studies on effective people management
Enhance your understanding of how people management principles have been applied successfully in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on People Management
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources for case studies on people management.
  • Read and analyze multiple case studies, taking notes on key strategies and outcomes.
  • Discuss the case studies with peers or mentors to gain diverse perspectives.
Join a peer group of other entrepreneurs and business owners
Join a peer group of other entrepreneurs and business owners to share ideas and learn from each other
Browse courses on Entrepreneurship
Show steps
  • Find a peer group that is a good fit for you
  • Attend peer group meetings regularly
  • Share your experiences and insights with other members of the group
  • Learn from other members of the group
Read *The Effective Executive* by Peter Drucker
Learn principles of effective people management through Drucker's insights into executive leadership
Show steps
  • Read and take notes on the key principles of people management
  • Identify and summarize the key ideas behind effective executive leadership
  • Consider how Drucker's ideas can be applied to your own management style
Use online resources to learn about HR best practices
Supplement course materials with guided tutorials on HR best practices to enhance understanding
Browse courses on Human Resources
Show steps
  • Identify relevant online resources and tutorials
  • Follow tutorials and take notes on key concepts
  • Apply your learnings to case studies or real-world situations
Attend a workshop on performance management and culture creation
Gain practical insights and skills in performance management and building a strong workplace culture
Browse courses on Performance Management
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate
  • Take notes and synthesize key learning points
  • Apply your learnings to your own work environment
Develop a performance management plan
Develop a performance management plan to help you track and improve the performance of your team
Browse courses on Performance Management
Show steps
  • Identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for your team
  • Create a system for tracking employee performance
  • Develop a process for providing feedback and coaching to employees
Volunteer at a local non-profit organization that provides services to people
Volunteer at a local non-profit organization that provides services to people to gain practical experience in people management
Browse courses on Non-Profit Management
Show steps
  • Find a non-profit organization that you are interested in
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Volunteer regularly and consistently
  • Learn from the staff and other volunteers at the organization
  • Share your skills and experience with the organization
Create a presentation on the role of entrepreneurs as people managers
Reinforce understanding by creating a presentation on the key role entrepreneurs play in managing their teams
Browse courses on Entrepreneurship
Show steps
  • Gather information and research the topic
  • Develop a clear and concise outline
  • Create engaging visuals and slides
  • Practice and rehearse your presentation
  • Present your findings to an audience, seeking feedback and critique
Develop a mock hiring plan and conduct practice interviews
Enhance your practical skills in hiring by developing a comprehensive hiring plan and conducting realistic interviews
Browse courses on Hiring
Show steps
  • Research and identify best practices for hiring
  • Develop a mock hiring plan for a specific role
  • Prepare interview questions and scenarios
  • Conduct practice interviews with peers or colleagues
  • Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement
Create a presentation on a human resources topic
Create a presentation on a human resources topic to share your knowledge and insights with others
Browse courses on Human Resources
Show steps
  • Choose a human resources topic to present on
  • Research the topic and gather information
  • Create a presentation that is clear, concise, and engaging
  • Practice your presentation and get feedback from others
Start a small business that requires you to hire and manage employees
Start a small business that requires you to hire and manage employees to gain practical experience in people management
Browse courses on Entrepreneurship
Show steps
  • Develop a business plan
  • Secure funding for your business
  • Hire and train your employees
  • Manage your employees and ensure that they are performing at their best
  • Grow your business and expand your team

Career center

Learners who complete People Management for Entrepreneurs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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 People Management for Entrepreneurs.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of organization development, covering theory, research, and practical applications.
Authored by the pioneers of Self-Determination Theory, this book offers a deep dive into the theoretical underpinnings of intrinsic motivation and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness). It's a crucial resource for graduate students and professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of this influential theory. It serves as a key reference for researchers in the field.
This comprehensive handbook offers a collection of chapters by leading scholars covering a wide range of topics and theories in human motivation. It's an invaluable resource for graduate students, researchers, and professionals seeking an in-depth overview of the field's current state and future directions. It serves as an excellent reference tool for advanced study.
Building on her research on psychological safety, Edmondson provides a practical guide for creating environments where team members feel safe to speak up, experiment, and challenge the status quo. This key contemporary topic in team building and essential for fostering innovation and growth.
This foundational book introduces the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets and their profound impact on motivation and achievement. It's essential for gaining a broad understanding of how beliefs about ability shape our willingness to learn and persevere. It is commonly used as a foundational text in educational and psychological settings.
A foundational text in management thought, Drucker outlines the practices that make an executive effective. classic that provides timeless principles on time management, prioritization, and decision-making, crucial for leaders at all levels.
Sinek explores the concept of creating a 'Circle of Safety' where team members feel secure and supported. emphasizes the leader's role in fostering trust and cooperation, offering valuable insights into building strong, resilient teams.
Offers a practical framework for giving and receiving feedback, which is crucial for building strong and effective teams. It emphasizes the importance of caring personally while challenging directly. This book is highly relevant for developing essential communication skills within teams and valuable reference tool for managers and team members alike. The revised and updated edition is particularly relevant for contemporary workplaces.
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This classic explores the concept of 'flow,' a state of deep immersion and enjoyment in an activity that is intrinsically motivating. It's essential for understanding the psychological experience of optimal motivation and provides insights into how to cultivate this state. It's a valuable read for anyone interested in peak performance and well-being.
Considered a classic in the field, this book explores the distinction between working groups and real teams, and what it takes to create high-performing teams. It provides a solid understanding of the fundamentals of team performance and valuable resource for both broad understanding and deepening knowledge.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of human resource management for international organizations, covering topics such as recruitment, selection, and training.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of human resource management for multinational companies, covering topics such as recruitment, selection, and training.
Considered a classic in leadership literature, Bennis explores the qualities that define leaders and the process of becoming one. offers deep insights into self-discovery and personal development as integral to leadership.
Considered a foundational text in performance management, this book delves into the science of behavior and its application in the workplace to drive organizational effectiveness. It provides a scientific method for improving performance and is used as a primary reading in undergraduate organizational psychology courses. valuable reference for understanding the behavioral principles behind performance management.
A comprehensive guide specifically for leading remote and hybrid teams, addressing challenges such as communication, trust, and culture in a virtual setting. is highly relevant to contemporary team building topics and provides actionable strategies for managers navigating the complexities of remote work.
Drawing on interviews with over 80,000 managers, this book identifies what top-performing managers do differently to build engaged and productive teams. It challenges conventional wisdom and provides practical insights into selecting, motivating, and developing employees based on their strengths. offers a practical approach to people management and is considered a must-read for new and experienced managers alike.
Based on a true story from a US Navy submarine, this book presents a compelling case for a leader-leader model rather than a leader-follower model. It's highly practical and offers actionable strategies for empowering teams and fostering ownership.
This book, co-authored by Edward Deci, provides a more narrative and accessible exploration of the principles of self-motivation and how to apply them in various aspects of life. It's a good entry point for those new to Self-Determination Theory and looking for practical guidance on fostering motivation in themselves and others.
Offers practical strategies for navigating high-stakes discussions and resolving conflict, skills that are indispensable for healthy team functioning. It's a valuable reference for improving communication and collaboration within teams, particularly when addressing difficult issues.
Building on the concepts of emotional intelligence, this book focuses on how leaders can create resonance and drive performance through their emotional leadership. Provides practical insights and is suitable for those looking to deepen their understanding of the behavioral aspects of leadership.
Focuses on the specific challenges and opportunities of leading teams with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This highly relevant contemporary topic in team building, addressing the increasing diversity in modern workplaces. It provides valuable insights for fostering inclusive and high-performing diverse teams.
A seminal work that highlights the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness. Understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others key component of successful leadership, making this book valuable for deepening one's understanding.
Written by former Navy SEALs, this book translates military leadership principles to business and life. It emphasizes taking ownership of everything in your world, offering a tough yet practical approach to leadership and problem-solving.
Examines the dynamics of virtual teams, including communication strategies, technology use, and building trust in a remote setting. is directly relevant to the challenges of contemporary team building in a globalized and increasingly remote work environment.
Presents a clear and accessible framework of leadership principles. It's a popular guide for developing leadership skills and is often recommended for those seeking a structured approach to understanding the fundamentals of influence.
Considered a seminal work in the field, this book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding what organizational culture is, how it is formed, and how leaders can influence it. Culture profoundly impacts people management, shaping behaviors, values, and interactions within an organization. is essential for a deep understanding of the environmental context of people management and is often used as an academic text.
While focused on persuasion, this book is highly relevant to understanding how external factors can influence behavior and motivation. It outlines key principles of influence that can be applied to motivate others ethically. It's a valuable resource for anyone in leadership, sales, or marketing roles. is widely recognized and frequently referenced.
Drawing on the experiences of the US military in Iraq, this book explores how large organizations can adapt to complex, rapidly changing environments by adopting principles of decentralized decision-making and shared consciousness. It's highly relevant for understanding contemporary team building challenges in dynamic contexts and provides valuable insights for leaders dealing with large or distributed teams. is more valuable as additional reading for those looking to deepen their understanding of how team principles scale in complex systems.
A follow-up to 'The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,' this book focuses on the qualities of individuals who contribute to a healthy team: humble, hungry, and smart. It helps in identifying and developing individuals who will be strong team contributors. is valuable for deepening the understanding of team composition and individual roles.
Building on the concept of emotional intelligence, this book explores how leaders can create resonance and drive positive results by understanding and managing emotions in themselves and others. It delves into the practical application of emotional intelligence in leadership and people management, offering a deeper understanding of how leaders influence the emotional culture of a team or organization.
Authored by the co-founder of Intel, this classic book foundational text in management and the origin of the OKR framework. It offers practical techniques for building high-performing teams and motivating employees. While not solely focused on performance management, its principles are highly relevant and provide essential background knowledge.
Delves into the irrationality of human behavior and decision-making, which directly impacts motivation. It uses engaging experiments to illustrate how context and behavioral economics influence our choices, providing a practical understanding of why we don't always act in our own best interest. It's a good complement to traditional motivation theories.
Written by Google's former head of People Operations, this book reveals the company's data-driven approach to HR and people management. It covers topics like hiring, performance management, and building a strong culture. It provides insights into contemporary practices at a leading tech company and is useful for understanding innovative approaches to people management.
This guide offers a practical, multi-step approach to performance management, focusing on setting clear goals, tracking progress, and providing feedback. It compiles insights from various Harvard Business Review articles, making it a good resource for understanding current thinking and best practices. It is particularly useful for managers and HR professionals looking for actionable guidance.
A seminal work in management literature, this book introduced the concept of Management by Objectives (MBO), a precursor to modern performance management frameworks. While older, its principles remain relevant for understanding the historical development and core ideas of performance management. It classic text for gaining a broad understanding of management principles.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of human resource management in the public sector, covering topics such as recruitment, selection, and performance management.

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