Reap the benefits of training, coaching and developing your line managers
To run a successful business, you need to invest in the training and development of your line managers. In some cases, individuals are promoted based on their technical skills or performance without taking into account whether they have the right aptitude, or indeed want to lead others. And even if they do possess the correct mindset, without ongoing support, new managers may find themselves struggling in a new leadership role.
Drive performance
Training, developing and supporting line managers should be an important part of your organisation’s business strategy in order to develop strong and capable leaders who are capable of managing teams effectively, and driving performance. Training needs to cover the essential skills of leadership, communication, delegation, decision-making and performance management, as well as people development, conflict resolution, legal requirements (employment law) and facilitating change.
In addition, you should consider providing training for your managers in how to deal with sensitive situations that team members might be facing, with empathy and compassion. These might include returning to work after cancer treatment, bereavement, and coping with a chronic illness or poor mental health. This may involve interactive sessions, discussion and specialist guidance to build skills and knowledge in these areas.
It's also important to provide your line managers with a network of support which can be through peer mentoring, senior leadership guidance, or access to resources like coaching or mentoring. Through being able to access a variety of resources, including training materials and online learning platforms, and with a mixture of structured training sessions and on the job learning, managers can understand their job responsibilities and refine their skills, enabling them to successfully navigate the complexities of their role.
Benefits for managers
The transition from team member to manager can be overwhelming. Line manager development provides clarity on key responsibilities, helping new managers identify their core tasks and gain a better understanding of what effective leadership entails. As well as technical skills, training will also boost their interpersonal skills like active listening, assertiveness, adaptability, problem solving and the ability to provide constructive feedback. It will also help with their personal development by enhancing their confidence levels, helping them to feel more secure, embrace change, handle challenges with ease and grow into future leadership positions.
Benefits for business
Investing in line manager training delivers significant advantages for organisations including enhanced team cohesion, productivity and performance. Well-trained managers create a supportive and motivating environment where employees feel valued, supported and their contributions are recognised - this increases engagement and retention levels. Furthermore, line mangers who have been trained/coached and supported are better equipped to lead teams through periods of change and uncertainty.
Personal, team and business success
Maggie Newton, Managing Director of Red Clematis Coaching, said. “One of the best things you can do as an employer is to equip all of your managers with the skills and resources that they will need to effectively lead, motivate and support their teams to achieve both personal and business goals. Investing in line managers will not only enable you to improve productivity, engagement and retention but it can also lead to a more positive work environment, better performance, and greater overall business success.”
Maggie continued. “One to one coaching, or dedicated management support programmes, are some of the best ways to enhance leadership in an organisation. A skilled coach, like me, will help managers gain a greater understanding and awareness of their own leadership style, as well as enabling them to understand team members better, learn how to motivate them and enjoy greater levels of collaboration, so they can achieve ongoing personal, team and business success.”
If you’d like some help to build your confidence and skills, improve self-awareness, enhance communication within your team and enable your career to develop through sustained and embedded learning then please get in touch.