First-Time and New Manager Training Guides
It can be incredibly overwhelming, and the learning curve can be huge when we are a first-time or new manager. The list of skills and issues we will need and face is endless. In these guides for first-time and new managers, we provide you with lots of useful tips, ideas, and suggestions on a range of related topics including coaching, managing different challenges you will face, and how to help your employees. Looking for downloadable leadership training course materials?
Where do I even begin? See the Manager Journey Map
Explore the Manager Training Guides Below
The First-Year Manager Journey: A Practical 12-Month Map
New managers don’t face the same challenges all year.
This practical 12-month map shows what typically comes up when — and where to focus first.
Start here! →
10 Project Management Tips for Beginners to Run Projects Like a Boss
New to managing projects? These 10 practical tips show how to set clear goals, communicate effectively, and keep tasks on track without overwhelm — perfect for beginners and non-managers alike.
Read how to run projects like a pro →
12 Proven Ways HR and L&D Teams Measure Training Effectiveness and ROI
If you can measure the effectiveness of training it is much easier to get better results and to maximise the benefits of employee training. Learn 12 ways to measure the ROI →
14 Fun Leadership Activities and Games for Adults and Students
If you are teaching leadership skills to new managers or future leaders, these 14 leadership skills activities, games and exercises are for you.
21 Essential Coaching Skills Every Manager Should Master
Want to be more than just a manager? These 21 essential coaching skills, from empathy and feedback to accountability, equip you to support, guide, and grow your team with confidence.
Learn what makes an effective workplace coach →
12 Coaching Skills Activities & Exercises for Managers
How do you teach someone to coach without saying a word? “Silent Coaching” is a hands-on activity where participants use only gestures and expressions — a fun yet effective way to build non-verbal leadership skills.
See all 12 free coaching activities to build leadership skills →
5 Influencing Skills Activities for Employees
Looking for fresh ideas for influencing skills training? This collection of five structured activities helps participants practice influencing others, responding under pressure, and building trust in realistic workplace situations.
5 influencing skills activities →
12 Delegation Skills Activities & Exercises
Here are 12 delegation skills activities and training exercises to use for employee and manager training.
View the delegation skills training activities →
7 Popular HR Training Topics with Ready-to-Use Materials
Do your your training programs cover the essentials? From stress management to mentoring, these 7 HR training topics offer practical, ready-made materials for developing your team and tackling real workplace issues.
See all 7 HR training materials and how to use them →
35 Biggest Challenges for New Managers & Solutions
When becoming a new manager, you will face many challenges and issues, so what are these challenges and what are the solutions?
Learn about 35 of the biggest challenges you will face as a new manager →
What Is Team Dynamics in the Workplace? Definition, Importance and Examples
What makes a team productive, creative, and confident enough to share ideas openly? In this article we look at the meaning of team dynamics, and how it can impact workplace morale and results, and we give examples. Learn what makes strong team dynamics at work →
How to Build Confidence as a New Manager (12 Actionable Tips)
Starting out as a manager can feel overwhelming. These 12 practical tips offer real-world ways to quiet the doubts and lead with more clarity and confidence, from day one.
Read how to grow into your new role with confidence →
21 Performance Appraisal Questions for Managers (With Examples and How to Use Them)
Not sure what to ask during a performance review? Here are 21 appraisal questions that you can use as a manager to ensure you provide meaningful reviews for your team.
Take a look at all 21 performance appraisal questions →
Ethical Leadership: A Cornerstone of Success in Business and Effective Managerial Training
What makes a truly ethical leader? From transparency and empathy to EDI and social responsibility, explore the 8 key traits that shape trust and integrity in modern leadership.
Learn what makes ethical leadership essential today →
12 Recruitment Tips for Beginners – How to Hire the Right Employees for Your Business
Hiring mistakes can be costly. From creating an ideal candidate profile to conducting effective interviews and checking references, these beginner-friendly recruitment tips can help you build a stronger, more capable workforce.
What Is Thought Leadership and Why It Is So Useful in the Workplace
What makes a true thought leader in the workplace? From guiding innovation to fostering collaboration, thought leadership drives long-term success by influencing how teams think and act, not just what they do.
Learn what makes thought leadership so powerful →
7 Essential Training Topics for First-Time Managers (With Examples)
New managers often feel overwhelmed, but the right training can make all the difference. From communication to conflict resolution, these 7 essential topics help build strong, confident leaders from day one.
See all 7 first-time manager training topics →
7 Spiral Coaching Steps Model for Leadership Coaching (With Practical Workplace Examples)
Want a coaching method that works in real conversations, not just theory? This model guides new managers through vision, planning, and review — all while staying flexible.
See how the 7-step spiral model supports real growth →
5 Steps of the Talent Management Process: Framework and Why It Matters
Hiring well but losing great people too soon? A clear talent management framework links workforce planning, onboarding, development and retention into one sustainable process that supports long-term organizational success.
Take a look at the complete 5-step model →
10 First-Time Manager Tips to Get Started in Style
What makes a great new first-time manager and how can you succeed despite the lack of experience.
Read the 10 first-time manager tips →
9 Types of Office Politics Players to Be Aware of as a New Manager
What types of office politics personality types are there in the workplace? These are 9 types that you should be aware of as a manager.
Read about the 9 types of office personality types →
What Is Human Capital Management (HCM)? Definition, Benefits and Key Components
Is your approach to managing people truly strategic? This in-depth overview breaks down the key components of Human Capital Management, including training, compensation, wellbeing and HR analytics, helping you build a stronger, future-ready organization.
Read how to implement effective HCM in practice →
What Is a Responsible Manager? Key Skills, Leadership Behaviors and Workplace Best Practices
What does it really mean to be a responsible manager today? From emotional intelligence and psychological safety to ethical decision-making and inclusion, this guide outlines the leadership behaviours that build trust and long-term performance.
Read how to become a more responsible manager →
7 Training Topics for Managers and Supervisors That Matter (With Examples)
What skills really make a difference as a manager? Delegation, Inclusion, and Mentoring skills are just a few from the list of 7 essential training topics that can help you be the best possible manager.
See all 7 must-have manager training topics →
How to Manage Different Generations in the Workplace (HR & Manager Training Guide)
Tired of workplace clashes caused by age gaps? This guide shows how HR teams and managers can bridge generational differences with mentoring, shared values, and inclusive communication strategies.
Learn how to manage a multigenerational team effectively →
Delegation Skills Training Explained: Benefits, Barriers, and How It’s Taught at Work
Why do capable managers still struggle to let go? This guide explains what delegation skills training really involves, the benefits for managers and teams, and the common barriers that quietly derail delegation in practice.
Read how to teach delegation skills at work →
10 Benefits of Time Management Training for Employees and Teams
Want your team to work smarter, not longer? From reducing procrastination to supporting work-life balance, this article explores 10 powerful reasons to invest in time management training.
Read how time management training benefits your organization →
What You’ll Find in These Manager Training Guides
Inside this resource, you’ll discover step-by-step advice and ready-to-use activities that cover the key skills every new manager needs. From how to give performance feedback that motivates to using feedforward to support growth, each guide is built to help you feel more confident in your leadership role. There are also checklists, real-world tips, and downloadable training materials you can use right away.
Why First-Time Managers Need the Right Support from the Start
Becoming a great manager comes with experience and also involves a lot of learning. From giving feedback and managing time to building confidence and handling tricky conversations, it’s easy to feel like you’re learning on the job (because you often are!). That’s why getting some guidance and training early on really matters.
These guides are designed to give new managers the support they need to succeed. Whether you’re leading a team for the first time or helping someone who is, this collection brings together practical ideas on everything from developing soft skills to understanding what situational leadership looks like in action.
As a first-time manager, you might also find it helpful to explore McKinsey’s Leadership Insights for strategic approaches.
View more workplace training guides on: Workplace Equality for All Staff | Effective Workplace Communication | Managing Employee Wellness