Managing effectively

Unlocking the power of managers to power L&D

I’m often asked how to make sure learning initiatives don’t fall flat, and although my answers do vary depending on the type of organisation I’m speaking to, one part never changes: the power of managers. For L&D professionals, harnessing the potential of managers can be a game-changer; driving engagement, enhancing performance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.?

In this edition of Thrive Insight, I explore some steps to improving how we approach manager development more broadly, and how this can unlock greater organisational potential.

Building better managers

Last month Mind Tools released their Building Better Managers report , which provides a comprehensive overview of the power managers can hold, but which also covers the importance of their development, too. Their research showed that:

“64% of managers would look for another job if their organisation failed to provide them with opportunities to learn.”

One of the biggest issues that crops up time and again when discussing manager development is the amount of managers who are promoted into managerial roles without any sort of support, training or coaching. There is still a focus on technical skill + experience = managerial capability. On paper we know that’s not always the case, but in reality many businesses are still promoting their best technical leads into people-leading roles.?

So what are we missing??

• Support
• Training
• Coaching

According to Mind Tools:?

“On average, organisations allocate 12% of their L&D budget to management training – the second largest portion after compliance training (13%).”

But as L&D teams, even if we create manager training programmes, there still seems to be a missing connection between the initiatives we roll out and the clear business impact of creating well-adjusted and competent managers:

• Reduced hiring/re-hiring costs
• Increased productivity
• Greater employee wellbeing
• Increased innovation

These impact points can be measured in a range of ways, such as:

• Management retention rates
• Employee engagement scores?
• 360-survey results
• Behavioural changes
• Retention rates/attrition
• Team member feedback
• Overall team performance
• Productivity metrics
• Exit interview data

If managers can impact overall employee sentiment, ease tension, and therefore allow people to perform at their best, they ultimately become the key to unlocking so much potential for a business.

Empowering talent

Managers are uniquely positioned at the intersection of strategic goals and employee development. They have a direct line of sight into the skills and capabilities of their team members, as well as the organisation's broader objectives. This vantage point allows them to identify skill gaps, align training with strategic needs, and provide personalised support to their team members. As far back as 2018,? LinkedIn Learning reported that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development. Managers, therefore, are essential in communicating and facilitating these opportunities.

Creating a culture of continuous learning is one of the most effective ways to sustain long-term business growth. Managers play a crucial role in cultivating this environment. By modelling a commitment to their own development and encouraging their team members to do the same, managers set the tone for a learning-oriented culture. A Gallup study found that employees whose managers are actively involved in their learning and development are three times more likely to be engaged at work. Engagement is a key driver of productivity, and companies with high employee engagement outperform their peers by 147% in earnings per share.

But they can only do that if they are provided with the right environments for them to upskill and learn themselves.??

Developing managers holistically

This brings us to the crucial aspect of developing managers holistically. It is not just about equipping them with the technical knowledge they need but also focusing on their soft skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership capabilities. A well-rounded development approach ensures managers are prepared to handle the complexities of their roles and support their teams effectively.

To truly harness the potential of managers, L&D initiatives must be tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the organisation. This involves:

• Creating individual development plans that consider the specific strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations of each manager.
• Utilising a mix of digital learning, workshops, on-the-job training, and peer learning to ensure comprehensive skill development.
• Establishing mentoring or buddying programs where experienced leaders can provide guidance, support, and feedback to new or transitioning managers. Continuous support helps reinforce learning and allows managers to apply new skills in real-time.

For managers to thrive , organisations must create an environment that supports their growth and development. Often this starts by gaining leadership buy-in. Ensuring that your key stakeholders and leaders across the business understand the importance of manager development and are also committed to supporting these initiatives is key. Utilising some of the metrics mentioned above, but also communicating clearly how these feed into the organisational strategy, means you’ll be speaking their language.

To wrap it all up

The role of good managers within organisations is indispensable. By focusing on their development and providing the necessary support, organisations can create a ripple effect that enhances overall employee performance and drives business success. Investing in manager development should be a strategic priority, as it can unlock tremendous potential across the entire business.

Building better managers is about more than just training; it is about fostering an environment of continuous learning, providing tailored support, and measuring the impact to ensure long-term success. As L&D professionals, our mission is to empower managers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to lead effectively and drive their teams to new heights.

Interested in how we can support you to achieve this for your business? Get in touch with us.