7 Best Training Ideas for First-Time Managers New to Their Role
Page Updated on January 11, 2023
If you’re training your new first-time managers, it’s important to provide them with proper training so that they manage effectively from the start. With training in mind, below are seven training programs that your first-time managers might find invaluable.
1. Communication Skills
Great communication skills are essential for first-time managers in today’s workplace.
With the ever-increasing demands of the job, it is more important than ever for new managers to be able to communicate effectively with their team members, superiors, and other managers.
Furthermore, with a hybrid model of working with a mix of Working From Anywhere (WFA) and working from the office, managers now need to communicate across geographical and cultural barriers.
By honing their communication skills, managers can ensure that they are getting the most out of their team, aligning their goals with those of their superiors, and collaborating effectively with other managers.
Many new managers lack the experience and training in key communication skills techniques including in topics such as Intercultural Communication.
2. Listening Skills
Also a form of communication, listening skills are essential as a manager.
For first-time managers, one can argue that listening skills are even more essential than ever, in order to understand the characteristics and needs of each person that you will manage and need to get to know in your team.
Managers who fail to listen enough fail to notice key signals and information, that could otherwise help them to identify issues and also opportunities. Listening helps you to:
- Be more aware of staff issues and unhappiness
- Understand what motivates each person
- Come across as a more compassionate and understanding leader
3. Delegation Skills
Delegation skills are critical for new managers.
The ability to delegate tasks effectively helps managers to stay organized and focused on meeting their goals.
When delegating tasks, it is important to consider the skills and abilities of the person you are delegating to. You need to delegate tasks that are within the capabilities of the person you are delegating to.
This will help to ensure that the task is completed effectively and efficiently.
It is also important to provide clear instructions when delegating tasks.
This will help to minimize confusion and maximize the chances of a successful outcome.
When used effectively, delegation can be a powerful tool for new managers.
4. Conflict Management
When managing other people, conflicts will inevitably emerge and the skill is in tackling and dealing with these conflicts early on, and effectively.
The problem for many news first-time managers is that they really lack the experience and training in techniques for dealing with conflict.
The key to conflict management is to develop a constructive approach that meets the needs of all parties involved.
When approaching conflict, it is important to be aware of your own emotions and to stay calm.
It can also be helpful to actively listen to the other person’s perspective and avoid making assumptions.
By taking the time to understand the situation and the needs of all involved, you will be better equipped to find a resolution that everyone can agree on.
With practice, you will develop the skills needed to effectively manage conflict in the workplace.
5. Leadership Skills
If you have never led other people before then the task of becoming a leader can be daunting.
You might be an expert in your field and have great skills in terms of job tasks, but managing a team requires a different skill set.
You need to be good at:
- motivating others
- being able to lead by example
- building rapport
A number of studies on first-time managers have in fact shown that a high percentage really struggle with managing other people.
If you yourself are a new manager or you are in charge of HR and need to get your new manager/s trained, you have two main options and these are to:
6. Effective Time Management
As a new manager, one of the most important skills you can have is time management.
With so many demands on your time and resources, it can be difficult to stay organized and keep on top of everything.
However, effective time management is essential for keeping business running smoothly.
By staying organized and on top of deadlines, you can help to reduce stress levels and improve your overall productivity.
Time management is an important skill for any manager, but if you can master it from the start, you will learn how to do it effectively and set the right kind of example from day one.
7. Hiring and Firing
One of the most important skills for any business owner or manager is learning how to hire and fire employees.
This can be a difficult task, as it requires both strong people skills and a firm understanding of the law.
However, it is essential to get the hiring and firing process right in order to build a strong and successful business.
There are a few key considerations when hiring or firing staff.
- First, it is important to make sure that you are following all applicable laws and regulations.
- Second, you need to be clear about your expectations and requirements for the position.
- Finally, you need to be able to communicate effectively with both prospective and current employees.
In Conclusion
Managers are responsible for ensuring that their team is productive and efficient.
They need to have strong leadership skills and be able to motivate their employees.
In addition, managers need to be able to handle conflict and make decisions that are in the best interests of their team.
First-time managers may not have all of the necessary skills to be successful in their new role at first.
That’s why it’s important for them to receive training on how to effectively manage a team.
There are many different types of training that first-time managers can receive.
Some companies offer specific management training programs, while others allow managers to attend workshops or seminars.
Additionally, many online resources offer helpful tips and advice for first-time managers.
No matter what type of training a first-time manager receives, it’s important that they are prepared to take on their new role.
Valeria has been involved with education for over 16 years. She has taught in the UK at the University of Bath and Cardiff Metropolitan University (where she got her PhD), in addition to working as a researcher at Exeter University. Valeria additionally has several years of experience of also working with Ofsted and Cardiff University in management roles & is she is the founder of Symonds Training.