After you enroll, begin with Module 1, "Introduction to the Entire Course," which takes about an hour. It has a short welcome video, readings on how to use the course, and a 20-minute Pre-Course Coaching Readiness Diagnostic. The diagnostic shows your strengths and development needs across the course's skills, from shifting from doing to coaching through holding performance and mentoring conversations, and it builds a recommended learning path. It doesn't restrict access to any module. From there, work through Modules 2 to 5, then finish with Module 6's project, a development plan for two of your people.

Coaching in the workplace is a manager helping the people on their team grow, by asking questions, giving feedback, delegating real authority, and setting development goals, instead of doing the work for them. Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies starts from that shift, from doer to coach, in Module 2 and builds on it through the rest of the course. It treats coaching as a set of specific behaviors rather than a temperament.

Module 2 of Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies distinguishes coaching, mentoring, and managing. In general terms, coaching develops someone’s work and performance day to day, while mentoring supports their longer-term development. The course covers coaching in Modules 2 to 5, including feedback, delegation, and reviews, and mentoring in Module 5, including purpose, cadence, and boundaries.

There is no single standard list of coaching skills. Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies builds five that run through its modules: applying emotional intelligence in coaching (Module 2), fueling motivation (Module 3), and teaching by asking questions, delegating and empowering, and giving constructive feedback (all Module 4).

There is no single standard list, and sources group coaching types differently, for example, by purpose or by who is being coached. Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies does not teach a typology. It teaches workplace coaching, from the doer-to-coach shift through feedback, delegation, performance goals, and reviews.

It depends on your goal. If you manage people and want to develop them, this coaching and mentoring course is written for that, and it ends with a development plan for two of your people. If you want a professional coaching credential or life coaching, this course isn't that. It is a workplace coaching and mentoring course that awards a shareable Coursera certificate.

Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies teaches you to become a coach for the people you manage. Module 2 starts with the doer-to-coach shift, and Module 4 builds feedback and coaching techniques. If you mean becoming a professional coach, the course isn't a coaching credential program, so check the requirements of the credentialing body you are considering.

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.