Unlock Your Management Potential: Mastering Mindset, Goals, Communication & Team Dynamics

The Most Common Problems with New Managers

One of the most significant and common problems we notice with new managers is that they are often promoted into management roles because of their performance and/or technical capabilities, rather than their ability to manage others.

The initial training they do receive is often process driven…creating rotas, tracking KPI’s, submitting reports to leadership, scheduling team meetings etc. rather than how to manage their teams (communicate change, conflict resolution etc.) and develop them into higher performers (deliver feedback, have coaching conversations, performance management etc.)

The lack of training within this transitional period means they often manage their people like they are managing resources. When new managers treat their team members purely as resources, they often overlook individual motivations, strengths, and well-being, leading to disengagement and reduced morale. This approach can result in high turnover, low collaboration, and diminished overall performance.

At Penguin, we LOVE working with new managers as we believe managers are the foundation of a good workplace culture and therefore, they need to be equipped with easy-to-apply tools at the start of their management journey whilst they build their knowledge and experience. Organisations with great managers will see higher outputs of performance, low staff turnover and great innovation.

Our Management Fundamentals Programme

Designed to upskill those transitioning into management roles - with less than 12 months experience in managing teams - in fundamental management tools to better manage, lead, communicate and develop their teams.

Our ‘Management Fundamentals’ programme can be delivered using a blended format of classroom and/or virtual workshops to meet your specific learning requirements. A format that works well is using a blended format with a 1-day classroom workshop followed by 2 x 1.5-hour virtual action learning groups (where learners apply the content learned to current, real challenges they are experiencing when managing their teams)

Some of the key topics that we cover include: 

  • Shift in Mindset from Team Member to Manager - Understanding how our mindsets can affect the way we interact and communicate with our team and ultimately, the results we achieve. We also address the necessary shift in mindset from being ‘one of the team’ to managing the team and how this affects the way we interact with our team members. 

  • Understanding Learning Styles - Introduction learners to VAK (Visual, Auditory & Kinaesthetic) learning styles to understand how team members best process information to tailor our communication. By recognising VAK preferences, you can read non-verbal cues, gain insights into their thinking, and personalise your approach for more transparent communication and increased comprehension across the team.

  • Introduction to Behavioural Flexibility - Using the 4Box model to quickly identify behavioural and adapt to the distinct communication styles within your team. By understanding the 4Box Model, you can tailor your communication style to each individual, fostering better collaboration, minimising conflict, and maximising team cohesion and productivity.

  • Delivering High-Quality Feedback - Understanding and using proven frameworks on how to deliver balanced, high-quality feedback to team members and how poor feedback can affect their motivation and performance. 

  • Actor Forum Theatre - Using actors as an alternative to roleplay to observe potential behaviours in common scenarios managers will deal with e.g. performance conversations. Learners can apply the tools covered earlier in the day to change elements within the conversation and affect the outcome of conversations. 

  • Coaching Fundamentals - Introducing learners to the fundamentals of coaching i.e. what coaching is? What it is not? How does it differ from Mentoring? Learners will then be introduced to easy-to-apply coaching frameworks that they can begin implementing with their team members.