NEW TO MANAGEMENT

There are two stories in this scenario – one is from the employer’s perspective and the other is from the employee’s perspective. I have empathy for the employee who is often left to their own devices. And of course the impact is eventually felt by the employer (business).

​Consider this – A long term employee has retired or moved on from the business. To take over the reins, an internal promotion lies ahead for one of the key sales or operational staff who has been an excellent employee. The new person has been a star performer and so it’s natural for them to move up.

​This is a common scenario in business. But often the new person has been such a high achiever, they are left largely to their own devices when settling into the new role – apart from a handover of key operational procedures.

​But often these promotions involve financial or administration skills which may be very foreign to the world the employee has been accustomed to and enjoyed throughout their career.

​I have seen it time and time again where the employer has taken for granted the basic knowledge of finance and administration that is required for that new role and the person may never have been exposed to such skills or terminology. This may lead to fear and apprehension for the new employee who is presumed to understand what the management take for granted. Being faced with financial reports or asked to prepare a budget for their department are examples of concepts fundamental to management.

​The employee having accepted the promotion usually does not want to show their ignorance of what many take for granted and will try to find ways around hiding this ignorance. They may bluff their way through pretending to understand – when really they are terrified they will be exposed as a fraud.

​The employee will worry and lose sleep over the new role – and probably wish they were back in their old role – and be quite happy to forego the substantial pay rise. But they know their old role has been filled – so they may believe if they fail at this new role, they will be asked to move on.

​So they try to seek knowledge from less intimidating areas of the business like junior employees in the admin and finance areas. They hope to get a few snippets of information or discrete leads to enable them to get through that next managers’ meeting – without looking vague or being embarrassed if someone asks them a question.

​Even if they were to ask senior finance staff for assistance, often those key staff are unable to dedicate the necessary time to properly assist.

​Our training will give these promoted employees or new managers a chance to understand some of the basic business terminology and knowledge. The employees can feel more comfortable raising questions with an independent outsider who is there to help them – not judge them.

​Arm your new managers with these basic skills.

Coaching is available in group workshops or on a one-on-one basis at your offices using their own reports and practices.

​Group workshop – Half day $440; Full day $660

One-on-one targeted training at your site – $2,200 per day

(Fees include GST)