5 Free Online Classes for Managers
These five free courses will teach you how to resolve conflicts and communicate effectively with others.
Managing people isn't easy, but with the right resources, you can build skills in conflict resolution, communication, and leadership.
Let’s look at five online classes you can audit or take for free.
Coursera: "Conflict Resolution Skills"
"Conflict Resolution Skills" is a free course offered by Coursera through the University of California, Irvine. This class will teach you how to listen and communicate effectively with others. It also teaches verbal and nonverbal communication skills and how to create an effective conflict resolution plan.
The self-paced course takes approximately four hours to complete and comes with videos, practice quizzes, and peer feedback. The class is free to audit, but you will need to pay for a Coursera membership if you want the certification.
Harvard University: "Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles"
"Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles" is a self-paced course through Harvard University, and it’s free to audit. The course lasts four weeks and requires a time commitment of two to three hours per week.
The class helps managers and professionals learn how to manage conflict and strengthen relationships. It teaches how to understand the role of formal and informal authority and learning how to thrive during times of change. The course is free to audit, with the option to pay for a verified certificate.
Coursera: "Fundamentals of Management"
"Fundamentals of Management" is another offering from Coursera, and it may be a good choice for anyone new to management. It takes seven hours to complete and provides a good overview of what it means to be a successful manager.
By the end of the class, you’ll understand the difference between managers and leaders and can describe the five functions of management. The class also teaches valuable time management skills, how to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals, and the power of building a network.
Alison: "Communication Skills - Persuasion and Motivation"
"Communication Skills - Persuasion and Motivation" is available through Alison, and it will teach you practical communication skills. It defines the role of communication in persuasive efforts and draws a clear distinction between persuasion and manipulation.
Through the course, you’ll learn about the different factors driving most people — pleasure, pain avoidance, or goal‑oriented behavior — and how these factors shape performance. By the end of the class, you’ll have a better understanding of how to motivate others to act.
HubSpot Academy: "Grow Your Training Skills"
"How to Train Your Employees" is a free class offered by HubSpot Academy that can be completed in less than two hours. It is designed to help anyone who trains other people in a professional environment.
You’ll learn how to plan and build a training session in a way that keeps people interested and helps them understand what you’re teaching. What makes the course especially useful is its hands‑on focus — it encourages you to apply the ideas right away using real-life examples.
How to choose the right management course for your team or industry
When picking a management class, start by assessing the most urgent problem your team is facing. For example, if you frequently deal with disagreements at work, a conflict resolution course could be the most valuable.
If you work in a fast-moving industry, you may want to look for leadership programs that highlight adaptability and decision-making. Remote or hybrid teams might benefit from a class that focuses on digital collaboration and connected leadership.
You also want to think about the time commitment involved in any class you’re considering. Some classes take under two hours, while others span several weeks. Choose the one that fits with your schedule and your career goals.
What to expect from free vs. paid management training programs
Free management courses are an easy way to pick up new skills without spending money. When you audit a class, you usually get access to the videos, readings, and practice exercises. This option can be a good way to explore a new topic, brush up on certain skills, or learn without a big commitment.
In comparison, paid courses usually come with more structure and extra features. In addition to the lessons, you may get access to discussion forums or even one-on-one feedback. Some programs also include career services or continuing education credits, which can be helpful if you’re looking to boost your resume.
However, paying to obtain a certificate doesn’t necessarily make the course itself better, it just gives you proof of completion and sometimes a few more resources. If you’re mainly interested in applying what you learn to your daily work, the free version may be enough. But if you want something to show employers or need more accountability, the paid option might be worth the cost.
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