Teaching leadership to new managers is crucial for the sustainability and growth of any organization. A study by Gallup indicates that companies fail to choose the candidate with the right talent for the job 82% of the time when it comes to managerial positions. This highlights the necessity of effective leadership development programs. Proper training can equip new managers with the skills they need to lead teams successfully. Here’s how to structure a leadership program that cultivates the best qualities in your new managers.
Start with Self-Understanding: Encourage self-reflection. New managers should understand their leadership style, strengths, and areas for growth. Self-awareness is the first step to becoming a leader who is empathetic, fair, and effective.
Teach the Fundamentals of Team Dynamics: Understanding the team. Educate new managers on the nuances of team dynamics, including how to foster a collaborative spirit and navigate conflicts. This knowledge is crucial for building strong, productive teams.
Emphasize the Importance of Clear Communication: The clarity factor. Stress the importance of clear, transparent communication in all aspects of management, from giving instructions to providing feedback.
Instill a Mindset of Continuous Learning: Learning never stops. Encourage new managers to view leadership as a journey of ongoing education and self-improvement, emphasizing that the best leaders are also perpetual students.
Practice Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Real-world application. Through simulations and real-life scenarios, let new managers practice making decisions and solving problems, building their confidence and competence.
Successfully teaching leadership to new managers involves a combination of self-discovery, understanding team dynamics, clear communication, continuous learning, and practical experience. Structuring your leadership program around these pillars will prepare your new managers to lead with assurance and effectiveness.
Lead From Within: Cultivating leadership in new managers is about more than imparting knowledge—it’s about shaping a perspective that values self-awareness, team cohesion, and the pursuit of excellence.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.