Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to demonstrate proficiency across the five core competencies addressed: Communications, Time Management, Emotional Intelligence, Goal Setting, and Collaboration. Specifically, learners will be able to:
- adapt their communication style to different audiences (peers, supervisors, clients) in both written and verbal formats.
- prioritize tasks using at least one structured framework (e.g., Eisenhower Matrix, time-blocking) to manage competing deadlines.
- identify their own emotional triggers and apply de-escalation or active-listening techniques during conflict or high-pressure situations.
- construct a SMART goal plan (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for their own professional growth over a 6–12 month period.
Dr. Elena Marsh brings over fifteen years of experience bridging academic research and real-world organizational practice. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and has taught courses on leadership development, workplace behavior, and change management while mentoring graduate researchers in applied organizational studies.
Dr. Marsh has consulted for numerous Fortune 500 companies, helping leadership teams navigate large-scale organizational change, build high-performing cultures, and design evidence-based professional development programs.
Dr. Marsh is passionate about equipping professionals at every career stage with the tools to grow, adapt, and lead with confidence.
This course consists of six weekly sessions running from September 7th-October 12. Links to the virtual sessions will be sent via email the day before. Topics and reading assignments for each session are as follows:
Week 1 — September 7
Topic: Course Introduction & Foundations of Professional Communication. Pre-Session Reading: “The Elements of Effective Workplace Communication.” In-Class Focus: Course overview, self-assessment of communication style, intro to audience adaptation.
Week 2 — September 14
Topic: Communicating Across Contexts — Written & Verbal Adaptation. Pre-Session Reading: “Reading the Room: Adjusting Your Message for Different Audiences.” In-Class Focus: Role-play exercises adapting the same message for a peer, a supervisor, and a client.
Week 3 — September 21
Topic: Time Management Strategies. Pre-Session Reading: “Prioritization Frameworks for Busy Professionals: The Eisenhower Matrix and Beyond.” In-Class Focus: Applying prioritization frameworks to real workload scenarios; time-blocking practice.
Week 4 — September 28
Topic: Emotional Intelligence I — Self-Awareness. Pre-Session Reading: “Understanding Emotional Triggers in the Workplace.” In-Class Focus: Self-assessment of emotional triggers; introduction to EQ frameworks.
Week 5 — October 5
Topic: Emotional Intelligence II — Conflict & De-Escalation. Pre-Session Reading: “Active Listening as a Conflict De-Escalation Tool.” In-Class Focus: Practicing active-listening techniques through simulated high-pressure conversations.
Week 6 — October 12
Topic: Setting Career Development Goals. Pre-Session Reading: “Writing SMART Goals That Actually Drive Career Growth.” In-Class Focus: Drafting individual 6–12 month SMART goal plans; peer feedback.