What First-time Managers Need Most in a Leadership Development Program

Making the transition from an individual contributor to leading others can be challenging because the two roles are very different. When you are responsible for managing people, often you are focusing your newly found job functions with the activities that come with keeping a team on track. To do this successfully, you need the foundational skills of management and the techniques of successful leaders. 

If you are in the position to develop a group of first-time managers, the best elements to include in your leadership development program include the following:

Skills Development

Formal learning opportunities around practical, applicable content, tips, tools, and resources for essential management skills including setting stakeholder expectations, motivation strategies, trust building, coaching, performance feedback, delegating, priority/time management, communication, and much more.

Peer and group coaching

Time dedicated to a small group discussing daily challenges, brainstorming to help solve problems, connecting with others, and sharing how each person is applying new skills on the job.

Individual coaching

A one-on-one relationship with a coach using highly targeted questions to identify possible outcomes, potential barriers to success, and action steps.

Mentoring

A relationship between an experienced colleague and a newer colleague focused on giving guidance about navigating the unique aspects of the organization, the speci?c needs of the business, and the knowledge needed at higher levels.

Personal and team assessment

An approach to help identify personal management style, increase self-awareness, and facilitate understanding of how different types of people work with others.

Mary Ann Samedi is a seasoned talent development consultant, instructor, facilitator, leadership coach, and the creator of Set to Lead, a leadership podcast. She enjoys helping busy leaders get results with proven systems to accelerate team impact and improve team retention without the overwhelm. For more team success and career strategies, visit https://www.settolead.com.