New Manager Development: A Case Study

Research makes a strong case that new manager development is not a “nice to have.” It is one of the highest-leverage talent investments an organization can make.

Across all the research, one theme emerges: managers shape the daily employee experience more than almost any other role. One study finds that managers account for about 70% of the variance in team engagement, which means the quality of a manager’s behavior has a direct effect on whether employees feel supported, recognized, developed and committed.

And we know, many new managers are promoted because they are strong individual contributors, not because they have been prepared to lead people.

New manager development matters because it influences six important areas of success:

1. Reduces early failure risk during one of the most difficult career transitions.
2. Improves employee engagement, because managers heavily shape the team climate.
3. Strengthens retention, since poor management is a common reason people disengage or leave.
4. Improves productivity and execution, because managers translate strategy into day-to-day priorities, expectations and accountability.
5. Protects the leadership pipeline, because unsupported new managers may burn out, disengage or decide leadership is not worth it.
6. Creates consistency, especially in organizations where manager quality varies widely by function, geography or business unit.

PPS supported a global client in creating meaningful, behavior-based manager development.

Situation

In this large, highly technically-focused, global organization, employees transitioning from “doing the work” to “leading the work” often did not receive developmental resources to support them in their first role as a manager. New managers were not developing core managerial skills such as skills to give feedback, make performance agreements and coach to effectively manage employee performance. This impacted individual and team performance, inhibiting growth, business retention and employee engagement.

Desired Outcomes

• Develop proficiency for core management competencies.
• Give and receive more regular feedback tied to sales goals.
• Use organizational performance management tools to build greater commercial success.
• Set goals that are cascaded.
• Engage and retain talent through development, coaching and mentoring.
• Provide ongoing options for new manager development.

Our Solution

PPS International Limited designed a four-day, instructor-led event, which allowed for an immersive learning experience and provided new managers an opportunity to engage with their peers, their managers, commercial leadership and cross functional leaders. Mentoring and coaching by mid- and senior leaders were structured and monitored as key components of the program. Participants completed a strategic area management plan and implemented key actions to affect revenue, business retention and employee engagement in the 90-days following the program. Based upon need, we later streamlined and updated for virtual delivery, allowing for flexibility in delivery method.

Products & Services

• SOLO IS® with Group Debrief session
• Competency Modeling Services
• Custom Instructional Design & Development
• Facilitation
• Consulting and Needs Assessment
• Talent Development Simulation
• Reinforcement Activities, including learning from experience 

Success Indicators

• Visible senior leader support and sponsorship.
• Formalized reinforcement activities to encourage application and create behavior change.
• Managers of participants equipped to coach behavioral outcomes.
• 200 first-line managers completed the program across six global regions.
• 4.9 out of 5.0 satisfaction rating for program relevance and outcomes.
• Sales Leadership attributed increased revenue, customer retention and engagement to the program.

For those clients who don’t want to build customized new manager development, we also offer programs such as Manager as Mentor & Coach and Management Skills for New Leaders.

Download Our New Manager Development Case Study