A Rice University course on Coursera (David Van Kleeck) on the human side of leading complex work — building trust, managing stakeholders, leading teams, and handling conflict and negotiation. Drawn from engineering-project-management experience, it applies broadly. It is pitched as advanced, aimed at practitioners already leading work through others.
Good for: Experienced practitioners leading teams and managing stakeholders.
Less suitable if: You are new to leadership or want an introductory people course.
Skills you'll gain
Stakeholder managementLeadershipConflict resolutionNegotiationTeam leadershipTrust building
Is this course right for you?
A good fit if you…
You already lead work through others
You manage stakeholders and teams
You want the advanced, practitioner view
Consider something else if you…
You are new to leadership
You want an introductory people course
You want a quick overview
Requirements: Some leadership or project experience is assumed.
Realistic time: Around 10–15 hours over a few weeks.
About this course
Relationship Management focuses on the human side of leading complex work: building trust, managing stakeholders, leading teams, and handling conflict and negotiation. From Rice University's David Van Kleeck, it's drawn from engineering-project-management experience but applies broadly to anyone who has to get results through other people.
What you'll learn
Build trust and credibility as a leader
Manage stakeholders and their expectations
Lead and motivate project teams
Handle conflict and difficult conversations
Negotiate effectively
Apply relationship skills to complex projects
This course includes
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language
What it costs
You can audit the course free on Coursera. A certificate needs a Coursera subscription (about $49/month) or Coursera Plus, with financial aid available.
Comparison · LBS
Compare alternatives for Relationship Management
Same topic, different options. We surface the trade-offs others hide so you can pick the course that actually fits your time, budget, and goals.
A Rice University certificate on Coursera is a credible learning record. It is a course certificate rather than a professional qualification or degree.
Last updated
Instructor
DV
David Van Kleeck
Coursera instructor
David Van Kleeck teaches project leadership at Rice University, drawing on extensive industry experience managing large engineering programmes. The course reflects that real-world, practitioner perspective.