The Challenge of 'Accidental Managers' in the UK Workforce: Addressing the Need for Proper Training and Support.

The UK faces a challenge with the occurrence of 'accidental managers' who haven't been adequately supported or trained to lead their teams.

I’ve had many a conversation recently regarding this and it’s one of the reasons we created our ‘Helping Managers Succeed and Lead’ and ‘Igniting The Leader In You' programmes’. In fact one those conversations?Bob Gibbon?made a comment along the lines of - the average age of a first-time manager is 30, the subsequent management training that is required is 10 years after that. ??

Training these accidental managers (and I hate that tag) is essential to improving productivity and results in the workplace. Research from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has found that organisations with effective management and leadership development programmes have on average 23% better results and are 32% more productive than those without such programmes.

But what do we mean by ‘Accidental manager’?

An accidental manager is someone who finds themselves in a management position without necessarily seeking or preparing for it. This can happen in various ways, such as a promotion, a company restructure, or even a manager leaving suddenly. The individual may not have the necessary skills or experience to manage a team and may struggle with the responsibilities that come with the role.

Accidental managers often have to learn on the job, which can be a difficult and stressful experience. They may lack the training and support needed to be effective in their role, leading to lower job satisfaction, decreased productivity, and higher turnover rates. Without proper guidance and mentorship from experienced managers, they may also make mistakes that can negatively impact the team's performance and the company's bottom line.

To be an effective manager, it's essential to have the necessary skills and experience to lead a team successfully. Companies can help prevent accidental managers by providing proper training and support to individuals before promoting them to a management position. By investing in their employees' development, companies can improve their overall performance and create a more positive work environment for everyone.

Not only does training ensure that your managers have the skills they need to lead your team effectively, but it also helps to create a positive and productive work environment that benefits everyone.

Here are just a few of the ways that training managers can be beneficial:

1. Improved Communication Skills - Effective communication is crucial in any workplace, and it's especially important for managers. By providing training on communication skills, you can help your managers learn how to effectively communicate with their team members, which can lead to better relationships, increased trust, and improved productivity.
2. Increased Productivity - Well-trained managers are better equipped to motivate their team members and keep them focused on their goals. They can identify areas where productivity can be improved and implement strategies to make sure that work is completed efficiently and effectively.
3. Enhanced Leadership Skills - Effective leadership is key to any successful business, and training can help your managers develop the skills they need to lead their team to success. They can learn how to manage different personalities and work styles, how to make difficult decisions, and how to inspire their team to achieve their best.
4. Improved Employee Morale - When employees feel that they are being supported and encouraged by their manager, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged. By investing in training for your managers, you can help them create a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
5. Reduced Turnover - High employee turnover can be costly and disruptive to any business. However, well-trained managers can help to reduce turnover by creating a supportive and positive work environment that employees are happy to be a part of. By investing in training for your managers, you can help to retain your top talent and create a stable and productive team.

Key Takeaway, investing in the training and support of both new and existing managers is a wise decision for any business seeking to enhance productivity, uplift employee morale, and cultivate a positive work environment. By providing your managers with the skills and knowledge they need to lead their team effectively, you can set your business up for success and ensure that your employees are performing at their best.

Do comment below on your individual experiences and thoughts on this topic.

If you're looking for support as an individual or for your team then do check out our 'Helping Managers Succeed and Lead' programme - click here