Good leadership training for managers is practical, specific and tied to the manager's real team. It covers how to lead and motivate people, manage performance, communicate clearly, make decisions and lead change, and it makes managers practise these skills rather than just hear about them. Here is what a strong programme includes and how to spot a weak one.
The core topics
1. Leading and motivating people
Understanding what motivates different people, building trust and adapting your style to the person and situation.
2. Communication
Setting clear expectations, giving and receiving feedback, running effective one-to-ones and meetings, and handling difficult conversations.
3. Delegation
Deciding what to delegate, to whom and how, without abdicating responsibility. See our guide on delegation without abdication.
4. Performance management
Setting goals, monitoring progress, recognising good work and addressing underperformance fairly and early.
5. Decision-making
Making sound decisions with incomplete information, involving the right people and owning the outcome.
6. Leading change
Helping a team through restructures, new systems, new ways of working and, increasingly, AI adoption.
7. Self-management
Managing your own time, energy and development, and modelling the behaviour you expect.
What separates good training from weak training
| Good leadership training | Weak leadership training |
|---|---|
| Practice on real situations from your team | Theory and models only |
| Short sessions spread over weeks | One long day, then nothing |
| Clear actions to apply at work | Inspiration without a plan |
| Manager's own line manager involved | Training happens in isolation |
| Follow-up and reflection | No reinforcement |
Signs a manager needs leadership training
- Recently promoted from a specialist role.
- Team turnover or disengagement is rising.
- Avoids difficult conversations or delegates poorly.
- Struggles to prioritise or make decisions.
- Leads a team through significant change.
New managers benefit most when training starts early. See our first 90 days plan for new managers.
Individual training or training the whole management team?
Training one manager helps that manager. Training a management team together builds a shared approach, common language and consistent standards across the organisation. Many organisations choose corporate training for this reason.
Making it stick
Most leadership training fails not because of the content but because nothing changes afterwards. Our article on why leadership training fails and how to apply what you learn covers the fixes: clear goals, practice, follow-up and support from senior leaders.
Leadership training at LSBUK
Our executive education leadership courses include Mastering Leadership and Management for a broad foundation and Practical Leadership Skills for hands-on people skills, live online or in London, with corporate delivery available for management teams.
Frequently asked questions
How long does leadership training for managers take?
Short courses typically run over a few weeks part time. Development continues through practice and coaching afterwards.
Is online leadership training effective?
Yes, when it is live and interactive with real practice. Recorded videos alone are much less effective.
When should a new manager get leadership training?
As early as possible, ideally within the first few months, before habits form.