Inspiration, a vision for the future, connecting to values and motivations—these are all important leadership roles. But without connecting the dots to what each person needs to do and providing feedback on progress, people can miss the boat. Results are spurred when those in charge provide the right mix of leadership, and people-oriented management.
Even good people-oriented managers have room to grow and improve. The most successful leaders I encounter make sure their managers are on a path of growth by providing opportunities to train and learn. Most organizations offer technical training, and this is important. However, too many leaders underappreciate the need for their managers to train in people skills. Leaders who emphasis a people-first culture raise managers who excel in these areas.
You may find the right resources within your own staff to conduct training for your managers. If not, find external resources to conduct training in your facility or one nearby. Many executive coaches or teachers have the ability to offer training in soft skills.
Management Training Checklist
When this topic comes up with my coaching clients, we discuss the importance of assessing and training managers in:
- Listening and feedback
- Delegating
- Negotiating
- Empathy
- Collaboration and multi-discipline interaction
- Transparency
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Interviewing for job openings or promotions
- Approachability and conversation
- Firmness with fairness
- Conflict management
- Stress management
- Running a meeting
- Accountability
- Coaching and mentoring
A trained manager is able to pass on that training to their people. This is why coaching and mentoring skills are so vital for a manager to enhance the effectiveness of their staff. The most successful organizations engage managers capable of raising future managers.
Don’t Overlook Policies and Procedures
In addition to people skills, being trained in company policies and procedures plays a vital role for managers to relate well with their people. For example, specific training in the following areas equips managers to assist their people on a personal level:
- HR policies / internal staff-related policies
- Employee development and promotion policies
- Employee career planning and training policies
- Performance review and assessment procedures
- Corporate vision and mission philosophies
Well-rounded managers are best able to address the needs of their people and maintain their engagement, motivation and effectiveness. Some types of training may need to be offered as a regular refresher. A priority on training creates a culture of excellence.
What do you think? How are you training your managers, and future managers, in people-oriented management? I’d love to hear from you. You can call me at 561-582-6060, let’s talk. And as always, I can be reached here or on LinkedIn.
