Foundations for Managing People Certificate
Registration will begin in Spring 2027. Start planning with your manager today. Review the Make Learning Matter One-Pager for guidance.
Great managers are not born; they are built. The Foundations for Managing People Certificate equips anyone managing others with the foundational skills and habits to lead with clarity, intention, and impact. Set clear goals and expectations that drive motivation and strong performance. Lead one-on-one meetings that build rapport, surface real issues, and drive accountability. Apply evidence-based frameworks to build accountability and engagement to strengthen performance.
Audience/Eligibility
The certificate is open to all managers who are responsible for overseeing and directing the activities of others. This includes people leaders, managers of project teams, and student supervisors. This certificate focuses on universal skills that build effective management to drive performance, accountability, and engagement.
The certificate program will launch in Spring 2027. In the meantime, explore self-paced courses and recommended resources in the Leadership Library.
Learning Outcomes
By completing all requirements for the Foundations for Managing People Certificate, participants will:
- Build foundational leadership capabilities in goal setting, communication, and accountability to establish a strong partnership model that enables performance effectiveness and growth.
- Apply frameworks and tools to translate expectations into clear, accountable actions that drive outcomes, strategic alignment, and meaningful engagement.
- Practice leadership behaviors and communication skills through scenario-based learning, reflection, and peer sharing, building the habits and confidence to lead in everyday moments.
Content & Topics
Participants earn the Foundations for Managing People Certificate by successfully completing the following requirements:
Setting Goals & Expectations
- BU ODL Workshop: Setting Goals & Expectations (virtual session, 90 min)
Leading 1:1 Meetings & Communication
- BU ODL Workshop: Leading 1:1 Meetings and Communication (virtual session)
Cultivating Accountability & Engagement
- Cultivating Accountability and Engagement: Reflection Prompts (worksheet, 5 minutes)
- BU ODL Workshop: Cultivating Accountability and Engagement (virtual session, 90 minutes)
Each component introduces structured frameworks designed to strengthen clarity and accountability, while reinforcing the communication skills needed to drive strategic alignment, performance results, and engagement.
Note: Participants are expected to complete all self-paced courses and review all resources before attending the corresponding virtual sessions.