The shift from individual contributor to manager is one of the most pivotal transitions in an employee’s career.
Yet 85% of new managers receive no formal training before stepping into the role. It’s a silent risk in many growing businesses—and one with real consequences.
The Cost of Poor Management
According to Gallup, managers account for 70% of the variance in employee engagement. And 50% of employees have left a job to get away from their manager. The financial cost is just as alarming. Replacing an employee can cost up to 33% of their annual salary.
When new managers aren’t given the tools to lead, it shows up as:
- High turnover and replacement costs
- Disengaged teams and missed targets
- Unaddressed performance issues
- Risk exposure from poor communication or compliance missteps
Yet many of these challenges are preventable with the right training and structure.
Why Being Great at the Job Isn’t Enough
New managers are often promoted for excelling in their roles—but leadership requires a different skillset.
It’s not just about doing the work. It’s about:
- Delegating without micromanaging
- Coaching and developing others
- Navigating conflict and performance issues
- Leading with clarity, consistency, and confidence
And with the increasing demands on managers—especially in remote or hybrid settings—the learning curve is even steeper.
The Skills New Managers Need (And Rarely Get)
That’s why NorthstarPMO created the New Manager Training Workshop, a four-week virtual experience built for first-time managers.
The program is structured around the core areas where we see the greatest gaps—and the highest return on investment when addressed early.
Fundamentals of Leadership
- Understanding the role of the manager
- Transitioning from peer to leader
- Linking people management to business outcomes
Building High-Performing Teams
- Best practices in hiring and onboarding
- Motivating and retaining diverse teams
- Managing team dynamics
Communication & Conflict Resolution
- Delivering clear, actionable feedback
- Navigating difficult conversations
- Creating psychological safety while holding accountability
Time & Priority Management
- Delegation frameworks
- Managing team workloads
- Balancing strategy with day-to-day execution
HR and Compliance Essentials
- Employment law basics
- Addressing performance issues legally and fairly
- Documenting decisions to protect the business
Leadership Action Planning
- Creating a step-by-step roadmap for continued growth
- Identifying strengths and blind spots
- Setting goals for the next 90 days
Want your new managers to gain these skills—before problems arise?
Join the waitlist for NorthstarPMO’s New Manager Training Workshop and be the first to know when applications open.
What Makes This Program Different?
Unlike generic leadership courses, our training is designed specifically for first-time managers in small and mid-sized businesses. That means:
- Hands-on learning: Every session includes breakout groups, real scenarios, and role-playing—not just lectures.
- SMB-aligned content: No fluff, no corporate bureaucracy. We focus on the challenges your managers are already facing.
- Peer networking: Participants learn alongside other new managers, building a support network they can lean on long after the sessions end.
- Post-workshop resources: Attendees walk away with recordings, tools, and a personal leadership plan.
The workshop consists of four-hour virtual sessions over four weeks, making it easy to integrate into a manager’s existing responsibilities.
Invest in Your Leaders Before You Need to Repair the Damage
Your future leaders are already on your team. But if you want them to stay, grow, and lead well, you need to do more than hand them a new title.
Don’t wait until you’re fixing problems. NorthstarPMO’s New Manager Training Workshop is designed to give first-time managers the skills, structure, and confidence to lead effectively—before performance issues or turnover take hold. Join the New Manager Training Workshop waitlist and be the first to know when the application period opens.