Minnesota State University, Mankato

Communication & Influence for Women in Leadership

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Minnesota State University, Mankato

Communication & Influence for Women in Leadership

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Advanced level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Advanced level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Build executive presence through confident communication, effective body language, and audience-focused message framing.

  • Influence stakeholders with strategic storytelling, advocacy, and communication tailored across teams, cultures, and leadership levels.

  • Handle workplace challenges by addressing bias, leading difficult conversations, and creating a communication growth plan.

Details to know

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Recently updated!

August 2026

Assessments

14 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Women in Leadership: Intensive Learning for Emerging Leaders Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

Start by grounding your leadership communication in clear self-awareness and an understanding of the gendered dynamics that shape workplace interactions. In this module learners will diagnose their habitual patterns, learn research-backed causes of common barriers, and practice immediate strategies to respond to interruptions, idea appropriation, and bias. Activities emphasize reflection and practical techniques you can use in your next meeting to influence outcomes more effectively.

What's included

2 videos5 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

Build a measurable, authentic executive presence through voice work, posture, and intentional message framing that fits your role and context. This module focuses on actionable verbal and non-verbal techniques that increase perceived credibility and clarity, plus how to craft concise messages that land across audiences. Learners will practice short, job-relevant exercises that they can apply immediately in presentations and informal conversations.

What's included

2 videos5 readings4 assignments2 discussion prompts

Translate presence and clarity into influence by using strategic storytelling and tailored approaches to persuade stakeholders. You’ll learn how to adapt your style across levels, functions, and cultures, and how to make clear, compelling asks for promotions, resources, and support. Practical frameworks guide you to structure stories and requests so they build alignment and mobilize action.

What's included

1 video4 readings4 assignments2 discussion prompts

Move from single conversations to sustained growth: practice structured approaches for conflict and hard conversations, gather usable feedback, and design a personalized development plan. This module emphasizes repeatable models you can use to de-escalate, set boundaries, and negotiate outcomes with confidence, and shows how to turn feedback into measurable progress. By the end you’ll have a concrete plan with goals, practice strategies, and metrics to track your communication growth as a leader.

What's included

2 videos6 readings3 assignments2 discussion prompts

Earn a career certificate

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Instructor

Katie Jolicoeur, Ph.D.
Minnesota State University, Mankato
0 Courses0 learners

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¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.