Building and Managing High-Performance Teams

Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this course, you'll discover the key strategies and tools needed to build and lead high-performance teams within the tech industry. You’ll gain insights into team development, decision-making, and performance management that will help you navigate challenges and foster collaboration. The course takes you step-by-step through the process of selecting the right people, aligning team goals, and ensuring success at every stage. You will also learn how to facilitate effective meetings and make data-driven decisions that drive team performance. You'll start by understanding the core concepts of team management, including team purpose, processes, and the Tuckman team development model. Then, you'll dive into advanced topics like facilitating creativity, using decision-making models, and managing performance without authority. The course emphasizes practical strategies that you can apply directly to your team, with a focus on communication, conflict resolution, and feedback, ensuring that you're equipped to lead effectively at all levels. This course is designed for managers looking to enhance their ability to lead diverse teams, improve team dynamics, and drive performance. It's ideal for those in leadership roles who want to sharpen their skills and gain actionable insights. While no prior leadership experience is required, it’s best suited for those already in or preparing for managerial positions. This is an intermediate-level course. By the end of the course, you will be able to build high-performing teams, apply decision-making models for optimal results, conduct impactful performance reviews, and manage team dynamics effectively.

Syllabus

Team Management: Building, Leading, and Facilitating High-Performance Teams

In this module, we will explore how to build and lead high-performance teams by aligning team purpose, selecting the right people, and streamlining processes. You will learn to facilitate meetings, encourage innovation, and apply models like Tuckman’s team development and Belbin’s team roles to optimize performance. Additionally, we will dive into decision-making frameworks and strategies for managing without authority, empowering you to lead successfully.

Performance Management

In this module, we will guide you through key aspects of performance management, including setting clear goals, monitoring progress, and delivering feedback. You will learn to leverage frameworks like SMART goals and OKRs for alignment, use regular one-on-one meetings for coaching, and master feedback techniques for continuous improvement. We’ll also cover how to navigate performance appraisals and salary discussions with clarity and professionalism.

Communication and Conflict Resolution

In this module, we will focus on the role of effective communication and conflict resolution in leadership. You will explore strategies for setting communication expectations within your team, handling difficult decisions, and managing conflicts. Additionally, we’ll cover techniques for communicating with senior management and navigating challenging dynamics with colleagues and bosses, ensuring you can lead with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.