Leadership & Management

First-Time Manager Essentials

The step from team member to manager is one of the biggest transitions in a career. This course prepares new managers to set clear expectations, delegate, give feedback, run effective meetings, manage former peers, prioritise their own time and build trust with their team and their own manager.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

The habits you form in your first months as a manager shape your leadership for years. This course helps you start with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Practical workshops, role plays of typical new-manager situations, peer discussion and a 90-day transition plan.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the shift from doing to managing
Set clear goals and expectations for the team
Delegate effectively and follow up
Give regular feedback and recognition
Manage former peers and difficult situations
Plan priorities and manage time as a manager

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Newly appointed managers and supervisors
Team leaders
High performers about to be promoted
Specialists taking on people responsibility
Managers in their first year

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Goal setting
Delegation
Feedback
Time management
Relationship building

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Becoming a Manager

09:00–10:08Mindset shift from expert to manager
10:08–11:00Common first-year mistakes
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Common first-year mistakes (continued)
11:45–12:53Building trust early
12:53–14:00Exercise: your transition challenges

Day 2Setting Direction

09:00–10:08Team goals and expectations
10:08–11:00Roles and responsibilities
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Roles and responsibilities (continued)
11:45–12:53Running effective one-to-ones
12:53–14:00Workshop: team expectations

Day 3Delegation

09:00–10:08What and how to delegate
10:08–11:00Matching tasks to people
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Matching tasks to people (continued)
11:45–12:53Monitoring without micromanaging
12:53–14:00Practice: delegation conversation

Day 4Feedback and Difficult Situations

09:00–10:08Positive and corrective feedback
10:08–11:00Managing former peers
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Managing former peers (continued)
11:45–12:53Handling under-performance
12:53–14:00Role plays

Day 5Managing Yourself

09:00–10:08Priorities and time
10:08–11:00Working with your own manager
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Working with your own manager (continued)
11:45–12:53Getting support
12:53–14:0090-day plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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