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First-Time Manager Masterclass: From Peer to People Leader

Course Summary

This 2-day intensive course is specifically designed for newly promoted managers, supervisors, and team leads making the critical transition from individual contributor to people leader. Moving into management often comes with unclear expectations, shifting relationships, and pressure to lead without formal training.

This program equips first-time managers with the core leadership mindsets, communication skills, and management frameworks they need to lead confidently, set expectations, manage performance, give feedback, and inspire trust from day one.

Through simulations, real-world discussions, and hands-on toolkits, participants will gain clarity on their new responsibilities, avoid common missteps, and build habits that lead to long-term success.

Learning Objectives

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

    • Understand the mindset shift from peer to leader

    • Set clear goals, priorities, and expectations for their team

    • Delegate effectively based on strengths and readiness

    • Give feedback and manage performance confidently

    • Build credibility, handle conflict, and influence across levels

    • Create structure and clarity without micromanaging

Target Audience

    • Newly promoted team leads, supervisors, and unit heads

    • Aspiring managers in leadership pipelines or succession planning

    • Technical experts or project leads moving into people roles

    • Functional contributors tasked with overseeing small teams

Course Structure

2-Day Transition Program with Tools, Practice & Planning

Day 1: Leading Self & Setting the Foundation

Modules Covered:

    • The First-Time Manager’s Journey
       Explore the emotional and practical challenges of moving into leadership: peer dynamics, self-doubt, and “doing vs leading.”
    • What Managers Really Do
       Define your role as a leader: direction, execution, people, performance. Differentiate technical work vs team enablement.
    • The Leadership Mindset Shift
       Move from “fixer” to “multiplier.” Learn the fundamentals of leadership presence, consistency, and ownership.
    • Setting Expectations, Priorities & Clarity
       Use tools like:
      • SMARTER goals
      • Weekly check-in structure
      • Clear job scopes and success measures
    • Delegation Without Abdication
      Apply the Task Maturity Matrix to assign work based on competence and confidence. Set up success with clarity, authority, and follow-through.

Day 2: Managing People, Feedback & Team Dynamics

Modules Covered:

    • Navigating Difficult Conversations
       Learn scripts and structure for common challenges: lateness, attitude, poor performance, team conflict.

    • Giving Feedback & Holding Accountability
       Practice using feedback models (SBI, AID) with real workplace examples. Build consistency without fear or favoritism.

    • Coaching Basics for Managers
       Use GROW and active listening to guide team members without solving every problem.

    • Managing Across & Upwards
       Understand stakeholder management: how to build influence with peers and manage expectations with your boss.

    • Team Rhythm, Rituals & Culture Building
       Establish structure: check-ins, huddles, dashboards, peer recognition. Set team norms early to avoid ambiguity later.

    • First 90-Day Roadmap & Commitment
       Each participant designs a personal 90-day plan for their new role: focus areas, support needs, habits, and risks.

Final Deliverables

    • First-Time Manager Toolkit (SMARTER Goals, Delegation Grid, Feedback Models, 1:1 Templates)

    • 90-Day Personal Leadership Plan

    • Peer Support & Accountability Map

    • Certificate of Completion (HRDC Claimable)

Course Duration & Format

    • Duration: 2 Days

    • Mode: Physical / Virtual / Hybrid

    • HRDC Claimable: Yes

    • Optional Add-On: Follow-Up Coaching Circle (monthly)

Trainer

Facilitated by certified leadership trainers and transition coaches who specialize in new manager development, with real-world experience supporting first-line leaders in corporate, SME, and government settings.

Ready to Upskill?

Contact us today to schedule this course for your team or enquire about upcoming public sessions. Custom in-house versions are available upon request.