Are you relying on old traditions to develop your new Managers?

As the kids head back to school, I’m reminded of my own early days in education.  A time when, we covered our exercise books to make them last longer (Yes, that is wallpaper from our 1970’s living room!)  and I took my ‘words’ to and from school in an empty (but still rather smelly) Golden Virginia tobacco tin!

Times have changed, and whilst I might look back nostalgically, I wouldn’t expect my own Son to do the same now-a-days.
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So why would any business expect new managers to follow practices that are probably as old as my exercise book! ​...

Probably because it feels comfortable.  But comfortable doesn’t always equal correct.

So how can you help your new managers?
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1. Social media offers some interesting insights, but it’ll need verifying as not everyone is the expert they claim to be!
2. Get them a Mentor.  Ideally in a different company.  Consider your industries finest
3. Hire in externals like me, who can challenge the ‘norm’ and offer guidance
4. Look for a local networking group to do with your industry where they can build community knowledge.

Whatever you choose, choose something!  New managers are an open book when it comes to developing them.  It’s the companies job to make sure that that book doesn’t get covered in wallpaper and start smelling of Golden Virginia!