Based on the best-selling book, How to Succeed with People, by Paul McGee. Success in any professional environment depends on how effectively you work with people. This course explores the psychology, attitudes, and behaviors that shape human interaction, helping you understand why people act the way they do and how those dynamics impact relationships and results at work.
Communication Skills: How to Succeed with People
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Communication Skills: How to Succeed with People

Instructor: Wiley-Expert Edge Course Instructors
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Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Understand the psychological roots of emotional resistance and behavior
Identify how past experiences shape current workplace interactions
Apply empathetic communication techniques to improve relationships
Details to know

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March 2026
25 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 25 modules in this course
In this section, we examine misconceptions about quick fixes and the complexity of human behavior, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding in personal and interpersonal development.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how history influences behavior and decision-making. Understanding past experiences enhances empathy and informs effective management of diverse teams.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we examine how pandemic experiences, work culture, and upbringing shape behavior, emphasizing the importance of adapting management styles to diverse backgrounds for effective leadership.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine S.A.D.S. symptoms in professional interactions, highlight self-awareness gaps, and explore feedback mechanisms to improve interpersonal understanding and collaboration.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore behaviors that resist change, analyze motivations behind non-compliant actions, and apply strategies to manage uncooperative individuals for improved interpersonal effectiveness.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how emotions and fatigue impair rational thinking, affecting decision-making and behavior in high-stress scenarios.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore how tolerance shapes behavior and outcomes in daily life and work environments.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how choice, control, and perceived benefits influence change acceptance, highlighting practical strategies for navigating transitions effectively.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how humiliation negatively impacts team morale and performance, highlighting ineffective management tactics and advocating for respectful, constructive engagement strategies.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how overly nice leadership can reduce team accountability and impact performance. Key concepts include management style, workplace dynamics, and the balance between approachability and effective leadership.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how personal bias and storytelling influence communication, highlighting the need to recognize our own perspectives and their impact on conflict resolution and interpersonal effectiveness.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how intentional face-to-face communication and personal engagement strengthen relationships, highlighting the long-term impact of small, consistent gestures on team and personal dynamics.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how unrealistic expectations and personal biases affect interpersonal interactions, emphasizing the importance of empathy and contextual understanding to improve communication and reduce conflict.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine strategic tolerance in relationships, focusing on evaluating consequences, assessing issue importance, and prioritizing long-term success over immediate conflict.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how attention awareness influences perception, highlighting the halo and horns effects and their impact on interpersonal interactions and self-awareness.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how overused leadership strengths like confidence can become weaknesses, emphasizing the importance of humility and adaptability for effective decision-making and successful leadership.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore how individual preferences shape interactions and emphasize adapting communication styles to respect differences, avoiding assumptions to improve relationships and prevent unintended harm.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine strategies to reduce resistance during change by emphasizing clarity, transparency, and effective communication to build trust and ensure successful implementation.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore four self-reflection questions to enhance interpersonal understanding and improve communication through objective analysis of relationships.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine how language impacts feedback effectiveness, emphasizing balanced communication to foster growth without undermining confidence.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine the causes of negative behavior, evaluate the impact of labeling, and emphasize understanding over dismissal to foster empathy and critical thinking.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. framework to enhance interpersonal engagement, focusing on how perceived importance affects relationships and strategies to foster mutual respect and reduce conflict.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore how courtesy enhances influence and reduces conflict by fostering respect through practical, consistent communication practices in professional and personal interactions.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore practical strategies to support others during emotional low points, focusing on normalizing feelings, reframing failure as feedback, and tactfully highlighting positives for encouragement.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we examine common communication mistakes, emphasizing the importance of brevity, audience relevance, and emotional engagement to improve message effectiveness.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
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