Course in Management Skills for New Managers

Stepping into a managerial role for the first time is both an exciting and demanding transition. It requires not only a shift in mindset but also the acquisition of new skills to lead others, make strategic decisions, and deliver results through people. As organizations evolve in complexity and speed, new managers are expected to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and uphold performance—often with limited guidance or preparation.

Management Skills for New Managers course, designed and delivered by Geneva Institute of Business Management, equips participants with a robust foundation in key managerial competencies. This course introduces practical tools and proven techniques that empower new leaders to take charge confidently, manage teams effectively, and contribute meaningfully to organizational goals. 

Target Group

• Recently appointed managers who are transitioning from technical or operational roles into leadership positions and seeking to build essential managerial capabilities.

• Employees identified for promotion who are expected to assume supervisory responsibilities in the near future and want to prepare proactively.

• Team leaders and department heads aiming to refresh and update their managerial toolkit to lead with greater structure and confidence.

• Professionals in both public and private sectors who are required to manage projects, oversee teams, or coordinate tasks across departments.

• Project managers or coordinators who need to lead cross-functional efforts while maintaining alignment with broader organizational goals.

• Individuals aspiring to grow into leadership positions and wishing to understand the core responsibilities of a successful manager.

Objectives

• Provide participants with a clear understanding of the manager’s role and responsibilities, and the foundational principles of effective leadership in a modern work environment.

• Strengthen communication and interpersonal skills that enable managers to build trust, provide clarity, and foster cooperation within teams.

• Develop practical capabilities in planning, organizing, delegating, and monitoring tasks to ensure optimal team performance and operational efficiency.

• Enhance decision-making and time management abilities, enabling new managers to set priorities, handle pressure, and respond confidently to workplace challenges.

• Equip managers with tools for performance evaluation and constructive feedback, supporting continuous improvement and staff development.

• Introduce emotional intelligence concepts to help managers lead with empathy, regulate stress, and maintain strong working relationships under pressure.

Course Outline

Understanding the Managerial Role

• The shift from contributor to leader: mindset and responsibility changes.

• Essential functions of management in dynamic organizational settings.

• Common challenges faced by new managers and how to overcome them.

• The importance of credibility, consistency, and professional conduct.

Leadership Approaches for New Managers

• Identifying your leadership style and adapting it to your team’s needs.

• Balancing authority with approachability in a new supervisory role.

• Situational leadership and responding to varying team dynamics.

• Building respect and influence through everyday leadership actions.

Effective Time Management and Prioritization

• Techniques for structuring your day and managing overlapping tasks.

• Recognizing high-impact activities versus time-consuming distractions.

• Delegating efficiently to reduce workload without losing control.

• Setting realistic goals and aligning daily actions with team objectives.

Professional Communication and Workplace Relationships

• Crafting clear and persuasive verbal and written messages.

• Managing team meetings productively and ensuring follow-up.

• Navigating difficult conversations with diplomacy and confidence.

• Building positive relationships with peers, subordinates, and superiors.

Planning and Direction Setting

• Setting clear team goals and translating them into actionable plans.

• Aligning individual responsibilities with broader strategic priorities.

• Communicating expectations effectively to ensure mutual clarity.

• Anticipating obstacles and planning contingency measures.

Organizing Work and Managing Teams

• Structuring teams and processes to support productivity and clarity.

• Assigning roles and tasks based on skills and capacity.

• Coordinating across departments to avoid duplication or conflict.

• Creating a collaborative culture with shared accountability.

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

• Structured approaches to making sound, timely decisions.

• Gathering and analyzing relevant data before acting.

• Addressing team problems with clarity and a solution-oriented mindset.

• Making confident choices under pressure or uncertainty.

Delegation and Performance Monitoring

• Recognizing which tasks to delegate and to whom.

• Establishing clear guidelines and accountability checkpoints.

• Monitoring progress without micromanaging or undermining trust.

• Using delegation as a developmental tool for team growth.

Evaluating and Enhancing Performance

• Designing and implementing fair performance assessments.

• Giving feedback that motivates rather than demoralizes.

• Addressing underperformance with tact and targeted actions.

• Supporting growth through mentoring and regular check-ins.

Emotional Intelligence in Management

• Understanding self-awareness and its effect on leadership.

• Recognizing and responding to team emotions and concerns.

• Building emotional resilience to maintain composure in stress.

• Fostering a respectful and emotionally safe team atmosphere.