The People 1st Training Company has launched a new training programme to support junior managers who are taking the first step up from team member to manager.
Over four days of training, the Management 1st programme helps managers get to grips with the basics of managing a team – from coaching and communication skills to presentation techniques, effective listening and dealing with conflict.
Research published just last month by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) found that more than a third of line managers (36%) have not been trained in how to supervise people, causing cultural problems within organisations. In addition, nearly half of employers (48%) confessed that individuals were promoted into managerial roles based on their performance record, rather than people management or leadership skills.
A lack of management and leadership skills is a huge issue for hospitality businesses in particular. Research from sector skills council, People 1st, reveals that high staff turnover means that managers are often promoted much earlier than in the past and 34% of employers say that their staff would benefit from additional management and leadership training. A further 35% say their staff need more training specifically in coaching and motivating others.[1]
The Management 1st programme has been developed in response to these findings and supports first-time managers in developing the softer skills needed to get the best out of their staff, as well as building their own confidence and authority.
People 1st Training Company managing director, Sharon Glancy, says: “Becoming a manager for the first time can be quite daunting. One day you’re a member of the team; the next, you’re leading it! Often, managers are appointed on the basis of being ‘good at their job’ and, while practical skills are important, becoming a people manager requires a whole new set of skills that don’t always come naturally.
“If new managers aren’t prepared, it can have a critical impact on results and retention. We’ve all heard the saying that people leave managers, not companies, and that’s one of the issues that Management 1st will address.
“By giving first-time managers the training and support they need to manage their teams effectively, not only will you develop your managers as individuals, but you will also improve motivation and engagement within their teams. It can help create a culture of training and support as those managers move up through the business.”
Calvin Davids is a manager for Chiquito and was one of the first people to go through the Management 1st training programme.
He commented: “It has made me more aware of my behaviour, conducting myself as a manager and leading my team. It has helped me get more involved and be more confident in facing difficult challenges. I have put a lot of what I learnt from the Management 1st training into practice and have seen good response and results.”
The Management 1st programme is available as an in-house training programme, or organisations can have their own trainers trained to deliver the programme.