Soft skills courses focus on interpersonal abilities like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. You can learn how to navigate workplace dynamics, manage conflicts, and enhance your ability to work collaboratively. These skills are often practiced through role-playing, group activities, and reflective exercises.

Skills you'll gain: Problem Solving, Presentations, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Constructive Feedback, Interpersonal Communications, Virtual Teams, Oral Expression, Team Collaboration, Communication, Persuasive Communication, Meeting Facilitation, Verbal Communication Skills, Social Skills, Public Speaking, Professional Development, Professionalism, Follow Through, Conscientiousness
★ 4.7 (5.9K) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of California, Davis
Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Problem Solving, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Growth Mindedness, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptability, Social Skills, Brainstorming, Complex Problem Solving, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Resilience, Open Mindset, Independent Thinking, Creative Thinking, Professional Development, Action Oriented, Culture Transformation, Willingness To Learn, Growth Strategies
★ 4.8 (4.8K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Chris Croft Training
Skills you'll gain: Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Price Negotiation, Contract Negotiation, Emotional Intelligence, Relationship Management, Social Skills, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Resilience, Growth Mindedness, Sales, Verbal Communication Skills, Leadership, Teamwork, Active Listening, Self-Motivation, Contract Management, Leadership Development, Communication Strategies, Communication Systems
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

SkillsBooster Academy
Skills you'll gain: Composure, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Recognizing Others, Self-Awareness, Active Listening, Habit Formation, Workplace inclusivity, Organizational Leadership, Team Performance Management, Team Motivation, Conflict Management, Stress Management, Leadership, Accountability, Business Communication, Communication, Constructive Feedback, Communication Planning, Psychology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Interpersonal Communications, Social Skills, Active Listening, Trustworthiness, Conflict Management, Assertiveness, Communication, Professionalism, Rapport Building, Professional Development, Communication Strategies, Influencing, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Attributes, People Management
★ 4.7 (3.3K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Communication, Communication Strategies, Persuasive Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Interpersonal Communications, Business Communication, Strategic Communication, Trustworthiness, Rapport Building, Social Skills, Oral Expression, Media and Communications, Productivity, Goal Setting, Relationship Building, Oral Comprehension, Cooperation, Negotiation, Relationship Management
★ 4.7 (2.1K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Packt
Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, Assertiveness, Conflict Management, Productivity, Communication, Communication Strategies, Influencing, Verbal Communication Skills, Time Management, Goal Setting, Stress Management, Resilience, Empowerment, Business Communication, Oral Expression, Prioritization, Active Listening, Persuasive Communication, Teamwork, Interpersonal Communications
★ 4.7 (296) · Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Oral Expression, Communication, Persuasive Communication, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Teamwork, Team Oriented, Team Collaboration, Problem Solving, Public Speaking, Collaboration, Interpersonal Communications, Agile Product Development, Professional Development, Social Skills, Agile Project Management, Professionalism, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Complex Problem Solving, Solution Delivery
★ 4.7 (356) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Madecraft
Skills you'll gain: Customer Service, Customer Complaint Resolution, Campaign Planning, Customer experience strategy (CX), Customer Support, Service Design, Customer Relationship Building, Customer experience improvement, Assertiveness, Personalized Service, Customer Engagement, Customer Retention, Experimentation, De-escalation Techniques, Customer Relationship Management, Customer Insights, Leadership and Management, Conflict Management, Team Leadership, Active Listening
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: Project Management Life Cycle, Change Management, Project Management, Organizational Change, Organizational Structure, Generative AI Agents, Program Management, Project Planning, Strategic Thinking
★ 4.9 (102K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Washington
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Persuasive Communication, Presentations, Oral Expression, Verbal Communication Skills, Storytelling, Communication, Motivational Skills, Advocacy, Peer Review, Constructive Feedback, Communication Strategies, Performing Arts, Concision, Writing and Editing, Action Oriented, Trustworthiness, Verbal Strategic Communication, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication
★ 4.7 (2.9K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

LearnKartS
Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Verbal Communication Skills, Communication, Communication Strategies, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Oral Comprehension, Emotional Intelligence, Persuasive Communication, Public Speaking, Non-Verbal Communication, Business Communication, Tactfulness, Conflict Management, Relationship Management, Teamwork
★ 4.7 (134) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Start with what you want to improve. If you want to improve communication skills for team collaboration, check for courses covering active listening, non-verbal communication, and conflict resolution. If you're interested in leadership and management skills, choose courses that focus on emotional intelligence, decision-making, and team motivation.
Top-rated Soft Skills courses offered by IBM on Coursera.
Earn a certificate in Soft Skills from top universities and companies.
Top-rated beginner-friendly Soft Skills courses with no prerequisites.
Soft skills refer to a set of interpersonal and communication abilities that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. These skills include emotional intelligence, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and communication. In today's workplace, soft skills are increasingly important as they complement technical skills and contribute to a positive work environment. Employers often prioritize candidates with strong soft skills because they enhance collaboration, foster innovation, and improve overall productivity.‎
A variety of jobs value soft skills across different industries. Positions in customer service, human resources, management, and sales often require strong interpersonal abilities. Roles such as project manager, team leader, and educator also benefit from effective communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, careers in healthcare, like nursing, emphasize the importance of soft skills in patient interactions. By developing these skills, you can enhance your employability and open doors to diverse career opportunities.‎
To build your soft skills, focus on learning abilities such as active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Additionally, developing adaptability and time management skills can significantly enhance your effectiveness in various situations. Engaging in role-playing exercises, participating in group activities, and seeking feedback from peers can also help you practice and refine these skills. Continuous self-reflection and a willingness to learn from experiences are essential for growth in this area.‎
There are several online courses available that focus on soft skills development. For a comprehensive learning experience, consider the Soft Skills Specialization or the People and Soft Skills for Professional and Personal Success Specialization. These programs cover essential soft skills and provide practical applications to enhance your interpersonal abilities.‎
Yes. You can start learning soft skills on Coursera for free in two ways:
Preview the first module of many soft skills courses at no cost. This typically includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs during the trial period.
If you want to continue learning, earn a certificate in soft skills, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade your enrollment or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning soft skills can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in online courses that focus on these skills, such as the Human Excellence in the AI Age, Part 1: A Soft Skills Course. Additionally, practice these skills in real-life situations, seek feedback from peers, and engage in self-reflection. Joining workshops or networking events can also provide opportunities to enhance your soft skills through interaction with others.‎
Soft skills courses typically cover a range of topics, including communication techniques, emotional intelligence, teamwork dynamics, conflict resolution strategies, and leadership skills. Courses may also address specific scenarios, such as soft skills in the workplace or in healthcare settings. This comprehensive approach ensures that learners can apply their skills effectively in various professional contexts.‎
For training and upskilling employees, courses like the Career Readiness & Leadership Skills in the Modern Workplace Specialization are particularly beneficial. These programs focus on essential soft skills that enhance workplace performance and collaboration, making them ideal for organizations looking to invest in their workforce's development.‎