Google launches People Management Essentials to help leaders thrive in the AI era

By Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer, Coursera

Today, Google is launching People Management Essentials on Coursera — a new Specialization developed using the same principles, practices, and ethos the company uses to train its own managers.

As AI accelerates workplace transformation, leadership, agility, and adaptability have never been more critical. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs report, 63% of employers cite skills gaps as the biggest barrier to business transformation. People Management Essentials helps aspiring and new managers close that gap by developing the practical, human-centered leadership skills needed to guide teams through change. 

The Google School for Leaders has transformed nearly 20 years of Google research on great management into practical, actionable lessons. In just a couple of weeks, learners will build the same foundational skills that have shaped Google’s culture of innovation and collaboration, including how to:

• Build high-performing teams that drive impact.
• Set and achieve goals using proven frameworks like SMART goals.
• Coach effectively and give actionable feedback.
• Conduct performance reviews and navigate tough conversations.
• Use AI responsibly to support management tasks and team development.

Learners will apply their skills through hands-on exercises like writing performance feedback, practicing work allocation, and applying Google’s feedback frameworks. Upon completion, they’ll earn a shareable certificate from Google to showcase their new leadership capabilities.

While Google’s research-backed people management practices have earned global attention, this marks the first time the company has consolidated them into a comprehensive, readily accessible course. Now, workers worldwide can gain insights into Google’s methods of developing effective managers and high-performing teams. 

We’re excited to see the impact this course can have on managers and leaders across institutions.

Click here to enroll in Google People Management Essentials today.