Do you see issues in your team’s performance and think that management training could be the solution? Recognizing that you need a new training program isn’t enough. For a commitment-based training program to achieve maximum effectiveness, it must speak to the typical problems your employees face and the management skills they currently lack.
While some training providers push off-the-shelf solutions, it’s essential to find a professional development program that fits the specific needs of your company. Training doesn’t have a “one-size-fits-all” application. Think of the training program selection process like purchasing a tailored suit: Once you find the right style, you have to customize the fit. Select a program that matches your goals, and tailor the courses to address your company’s needs.
By identifying the issues you seek to correct on the front end, your choice of training programs on the back end becomes much easier. Examine the following areas of essential leadership skills at your company to determine which elements your management training program should focus on.
- Communication
With benefits spanning your entire corporation from top to bottom, this is undoubtedly one of the most impactful training topics to include in any professional curriculum. Communication has the power to make or break your organization, so it should be a high priority. When there are gaps in communication effectiveness, employees feel confused, misguided and dissatisfied. Your managers must be able to communicate expectations, concerns and instructions in a professional, tactful and powerful way.
- Coaching
Never undervalue managers’ ability to coach their employees. The capacity to motivate and guide workers to achieve success is the mark of a truly great leader, and the level at which your teams perform is a direct reflection on that team’s manager. Coaching employees involves knowing how to help them overcome weaknesses, refine their strengths and consistently improve.
- Change Management
Most organizations find it difficult to enact change. In fact, about 70% of change initiatives fail. That’s why change management is a valuable area of development for your managers. The ability to lead, promote a sense of calm and maintain productivity levels during times of change is a major asset. Don’t wait until your managers are in the midst of a transition to start training them. Assess how your company has handled change in the past and where your approaches have fallen short. Then, proactively prepare your leaders for future initiatives.
- Delegation
Do your leaders struggle to delegate tasks to their team members? When managers fail to master delegation, productivity usually suffers. Without a proper focus on strengthening delegation skills, managers are spread too thin and employees tend to underperform. It’s also important to delegate manager-level tasks to other team members if you want to identify employees with future leadership potential.
- Conflict Resolution
Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. How is it handled within your company? Do your managers use it as a learning opportunity for team members? Give your managers the tools they need to identify conflict, engage both parties in positive discussion and mitigate the conflict’s negative impact.
- Talent Management
Evaluate your leaders’ success in terms of hiring and retaining winning talent. Strong managers know how to build and sustain strong teams, which results in a more stable company and increased employee satisfaction.
As you assess these areas within your organization, think critically about what your managers need in order to be truly effective, and use those insights as the building blocks for your commitment-based training program.
Want more insight into developing a commitment-based training program within your company? Download the free e-book now.
