The why, when, what, and how of new manager training programs

Investing in the best leadership training for new managers is the difference between developing good teams and great teams.

Leadership training programs for new managers cover various topics, such as communication skills, team-building, problem-solving strategies, decision-making techniques, and more. By training managers early in their careers, organizations can ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective tactile leaders.

Let’s take a look at some of the top features in new manager training programs that companies should consider before investing.

Leadership training vs. Management training

Is it better to be a strategic leader or a tactical leader? What’s the difference between the two? Both leaders and managers are necessary to your organization – neither being more important than the other. But in our book, leaders and managers are distinct. We classify leaders as strategic and managers as tactile.

That said, leadership and management training must be customized to help them succeed in their roles.

• Strategic leadership training. Strategic leadership training includes big-picture topics such as vision casting and strategic planning, along with developing soft skills like emotional intelligence.
• Tactile management training. Tactile management training focuses on the day-to-day activities of the business, such as delegating tasks, delivering feedback and coaching, and running meetings.

At Unboxed Training & Technology, we create custom training programs that help develop and sharpen your strategic and tactile leaders. Request a download of our “Leadership Training Topics Essential Checklist” to learn more about what your leaders and managers will learn.

Why do new manager training programs matter?

Studies show that managers influence 70% of a team’s engagement level. That means when companies invest in new management training, they are directly investing in employee success.

But leadership training for managers needs to be more than just a one-time training session. It must be ongoing and consistent for the skills to take hold. Continuous leadership training programs for new managers offer a range of benefits for managers and the organizations they work for.

1. Increase productivity: Well-trained managers can optimize team performance by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member, assigning tasks effectively, and ensuring efficient workflow. They learn to delegate, manage time, and prioritize tasks, improving productivity and output.
2. Improve communication: Managers act as a bridge between senior leadership and their team members. Training programs emphasize the importance of clear and effective communication, both upward and downward. Managers learn how to convey expectations, provide feedback, address conflicts, and build rapport, fostering a healthy and collaborative work environment.
3. Engage employees: By understanding the factors that drive employee engagement, such as providing meaningful work, growth opportunities, and work-life balance, new managers can effectively engage their teams and create a culture of high performance and satisfaction.
4. Develop employees: Managers play a critical role in the growth and development of their employees. Training programs equip new managers with the skills to identify and nurture talent, provide constructive feedback, set goals, and create development plans. This helps build a loyal, motivated team.
5. Retain employees: One study by Gallup found that half of employees quit because of their manager. Investing in new manager training programs demonstrates a commitment to employee development and satisfaction, which can improve retention rates. Furthermore, these programs can identify high-potential individuals for future leadership positions and create a pipeline of talent for succession planning.

When should new management training occur?

We believe management skills training for new managers should start the day they’re hired. Then administer regular refresher training and coaching to ensure managers stay current with the latest management best practices. By enrolling managers in effective leadership classes, they will learn the power of soft skills and how to harness them in the workplace.

What topics should the best leadership training include?

The modern workplace is constantly changing. As such, the top leadership development programs should include instruction on topics such as:

• Problem-solving
• Coaching
• Effective communication
• Conflict resolution
• Emotional intelligence
• Team-building
• Delegation
• Goal setting
• Change management

Including these leadership training topics will help develop leadership skills for new managers to help them navigate the challenges that come with managing a team.

How to choose the best leadership training for new managers

As you can imagine, the need for high-quality leaders is critical. Yet, looking for the best management training programs can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. To simplify this process, here are some tips to help you make a more informed decision:

Determine your needs

Step one is assessing your organization’s needs. Reflect on the skills and areas you want to develop in managers, such as communication, decision-making, or team building. By understanding your unique requirements, you can focus on programs that align with your goals and offer relevant content to new managers.

Evaluate training companies

Next, it’s time to evaluate leadership training providers. The right training partner can help you further identify your needs, offer custom solutions, and execute an effective L&D strategy. For starters, consider the provider’s training methodology, technology, expertise, client testimonials, and industry recognition.

Consider training formats

Investigate different leadership training formats such as eLearning, gamification, and instructor-led workshops. Work with your training provider to determine the right mix. To make the most impact, invest in a custom manager training program delivered through an LMS designed with your organization’s goals in mind.

Assess training methodologies

Consider the training methodology employed by the selected new manager training program. Look for interactive and experiential learning approaches that go beyond passive lecture-style sessions. Activities such as case studies, role plays, group discussions, and simulations allow new managers to practice their skills in a safe and supportive environment, facilitating better learning and skill application.

Estimate return on investment

Finally, consider the return on investment (ROI) of the leadership training program. Evaluate the program's cost, the potential benefits it offers, and the impact it can have on your managers and organization. Choose a program that offers a high ROI and provides you with the best value for your investment.

Empower new managers with custom training from Unboxed Training & Technology

If you want to have the best leadership development program for managers, you need an exceptional training partner.

At Unboxed, we create customized training solutions that can help sharpen tactical and strategic management styles as well as build the right skills in each type of leader. Our engaging learning content and cutting-edge technology can be just the tools you’re looking for to take your manager training to the next level.

Schedule a demo of our customized leadership training for managers to learn how we can make a measurable impact in your organization.