[Return to Blog list] [Add your comment]

First line manager training

First line manager training

The first line manager or front line manager has a tough task.

Simultaneously, he/she has three roles to fill.

Front line managers must:

1. Manage the task
2. Manage the personalities in the team
3. Do the spade work too

In addition front line managers must:
1. Manage the customer
2. Manage the senior managers

So the poor front line manager has a difficult role to fill.
And often the front line manager is quite young (in their twenties).
And usually they have not been given any management or leadership training.
Clearly; this is not the ideal situation.

If you are a front line manager, then you are expected to:
1. Manage the daily tasks
2. Manage the various personalities in the team
3. Do much of the spade work yourself
4. Manage the customer’s complaints and questions
5. Manage the sometimes difficult senior managers

You want and expect the proper training
What is the proper training for a team leader- front line manager?

It would take the form of a practical programme of advice and instruction designed to equip them with the skills needed to fulfil their role.

What are the skills needed to fulfil the role of a front line manager?
Here is the list of six key skills that all managers and leaders need:

1. To set and achieve goals.
2. To communicate clearly.
3. To manage time and prioritise work.
4. To manage conflict and handle difficult people.
5. To create and sustain a positive mental attitude, especially during tough times.
6. To create and sustain a positive mental attitude in the others around you.

1. The ability to set goals
If success is defined as “the achievement of a goal” then the act of setting goals is the first step to being more successful.
The absence of a goal focus means automatic failure.

2. The ability to communicate
The ability to communicate any message in clear and unambiguous terms such that the message is understood.  (i.e. vague unclear, ambiguous, communication is the cause of too many failures).

3 The ability to plan ahead
To achieve the goal will require a practical plan and the P list:

The P list
1. Planning
2. Preparation
3. Prioritisation
4. Prevention
5. Problem solving
6. Pre-emptive action
7. Proper Practice
8. Personal initiative
9. Productive effort
Without the “P list” you are doomed!

4. The ability to handle criticism
Critical feedback is built into the success formula.
But many people are unable to handle criticism.

1. They cannot give criticism in a constructive manner
2. They cannot take criticism in a constructive manner

Constructive criticism is:
1. Objective
2. Well timed
3. Non-emotionalised
4. And does suggest a specific corrective action
Example “You have a spelling mistake on the front page of your proposal”

Destructive criticism is the opposite:
1. Subjective
2. Poorly timed
3. Emotionalised
4. And does NOT suggest a specific corrective action
Example “You’re an idiot”

5. Inspire yourself - self management
The new front line manager has a tough role to fill.
And so they need confidence and emotional strength.

Where is that going to come from?
From the inside!
From the will-power of the individual mind.

The front line manager must have the ability to:
1. Self motivate
2. Self inspire
3. Create self confidence
4. Self discipline
5. Self control

How can you hope to motivate, inspire, lead, discipline and influence others if you cannot do it to yourself?

6. Inspire others
Now we have the first five elements:
1. To set goals.
2. Communicate clearly.
3. Manage time and prioritise work.
4. Manage conflict and constructive criticism.
5. To create and sustain a positive mental attitude, especially during tough times.

Now you are ready for the sixth
To create and sustain a positive mental attitude in the others around you.

Leadership is the ability to set a goal, communicate the goal and inspire others to act to achieve the goal in the most efficient manner possible.

Leadership requires a knowledge of:
The language of a leader
How leaders speak is different from how the average person speaks
How leaders react to setbacks is different from how the average person reacts to setbacks
How leaders use their body language is different from how the average person uses their body language
How leaders spend their mental energy is different from how the average person spends their mental energy

The front line manager needs to learn leadership skills too

If you want help with any of these issues please call us on +44 (0)1452 856091

For more information about front line manager training visit the Corporate Coach Group website

On 06/07/2012 at 15:07 Sally Ann said

I have been a first line manager for 9 months and as yet haven't received any training. This blog is very good. I would benefit from going on your front line manager training course. Thanks

For all your training enquiries please call: 01452 856091

Download your free e-book "The effective leader manager" with our compliments (Free Leader Manager e-book click here)