When a team member is promoted to manager, they take on a whole new set of responsibilities. Human Resources is responsible for ensuring that these invaluable leaders learn everything they need to be successful in their new position, which includes a lot more than the technical daily operations.
An effective new management training program places equal importance on all aspects of the role. Below, 10 members of Forbes Human Resources Council share the most important components they believe that HR should consider when constructing a new manager training program.
Forbes Human Resources Council members share their insight.
Photos courtesy of individual members.1. Offer Company-Supported Mentorship Programs
Company-supported mentorship programs and formal management and leadership educational training will help new managers gain critical skills for managing and empowering people. The "learn on the job" approach risks alienating reports from inexperienced managers and increases the potential of a turnover. - Rachel Lyubovitzky, MidasXL, Inc.
2. Practice Change Leadership
Managing change is a critical leadership skill that impacts every market, industry and team. Change leadership teaches influence, agility, empathy, communication and strategy. Change is complex and impacts us all in unique ways. It teaches us a great deal about ourselves and helps us understand our teams’ unique abilities. - Jacqueline Ferguson, Southwest Properties
3. Train Managers On How To Build High-Performing Teams
HR should consider incorporating training on how to build and lead high-performing teams. First-time managers may be great technical leaders, but they may not have the required people management experience and skills. New manager training should include the following: 1. How to be an effective coach 2. How to promote diverse and inclusive teams 3. How to leverage strengths and manage opportunities. - Ochuko Dasimaka, Career Heights Consulting, Inc.
4. Teach Them To Lead With Empathy
Leading with empathy is something that we often forget when it comes to new manager training. In a modern world, managers should be expected to be empathetic leaders. Leading from a place of service and understanding has been proven to reduce turnover and create better working relationships. Managers forget that it is OK for them to be human. Empathy training would illustrate that this is a benefit. - Bill Smith, Getty Images
5. Share Best Practices On Time Management Skills
As a manager, time management skills take on a whole new meaning. It's essential for new managers to understand that the needs of their direct reports have to come before their managers and even their own needs. A successful manager onboarding should include training as well as tips and tricks on how new managers can prioritize their management tasks to ensure they are being set up for success in their new role. - Jessica Adams, Brad's Deals
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6. Show How To Be An Understanding Ally
Knowing how to be an ally and advocate is critical in today's workplace. Seeking to understand others and listening actively is crucial. In addition, managers must learn to help connect people and bring them together. This will amplify people's potential and what makes them special. Not only are these skills valuable, but to be a truly inclusive leader who wants to thrive, these skills are now essential. Leaders who include others, excel. - Nicole Fernandes, Blu Ivy Group
7. Instill Mental Well-Being And Empowerment
In todays' hybrid workplace, training new managers on mental well-being gives a completely new meaning to hybrid management. Today's managers need not worry as much about productivity but instead about enabling and empowering teams to perform. Managers in hybrid workplaces need a more human-centric approach and adding caring for the mental wellness of the team means meeting the team members where they are at. - Sabahat Bokhari
8. Provide A Digital Fluency Course
To prepare leaders for the future of work, all managers should complete a digital fluency course. This includes reviewing concepts such as ethical AI, applied statistics for non-engineers and machine learning. Technology trends, data privacy and cybersecurity should also be reviewed. By building digital skills, new managers will be able to successfully integrate AI into their operations. - David Swanagon, Ericsson
9. Focus On People Management Skills
People management should be a component of all new manager training. An individual may be good at managing projects and programs but not as good at managing people. Those are very different skill sets that have serious consequences for overall success. Once an individual understands how to manage people, the program or project has a stronger likelihood to be successful. - Tina R. Walker, California Community Foundation
10. Help Them Identify Team Training Needs
Mind the skills gap. The ability to identify training needs within a team is one component HR should consider. A versatile team highlights the strengths of everyone in it, but a good leader knows there is always room for improvement. New managers should be able to identify roadblocks in the team, but also see the potential within their people and how their skills can grow. - Danny Speros , Zenefits
