Why Managers Need Professional Training More Than Anyone
The importance of continual professional training cannot be overstated—especially for managers. As the backbone of their teams, managers play a critical role in shaping organisational culture, driving performance and fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation. Their need for ongoing training is vital not only for their development but also for the empowerment and effectiveness of their teams. This training equips them with the latest tools and knowledge to lead with confidence, manage stress and implement strategic changes that ensure the organisation’s success and resilience.
Reason 1: Managers Set The Workplace Culture
The impact of a manager on workplace culture cannot be overstated. Culture influences everything from employee engagement to customer satisfaction and overall productivity. Managers who hold an IOSH Managing Safely certificate don’t just enforce safety rules—they foster a culture where safety is ingrained in every action and decision.
This kind of culture empowers employees to take initiative, speak up about hazards or concerns and feel secure in their working environment. When employees see their managers actively participating in and promoting safety training, it encourages them to take ownership of their own and their colleagues’ safety, creating a collaborative and supportive workplace atmosphere. Furthermore, a strong, positive culture can attract top talent who are seeking employers who value safety and well-being.
Reason 2: Emotionally Intelligent Managers Keep Stress to a Minimum
Managers with high emotional intelligence can defuse tension and foster an environment where stressors are managed and resilience is developed. Training in emotional intelligence helps managers become adept at handling emotional labour—the process of managing feelings and expressions to fulfil a job’s emotional requirements.
This capability is critical in high-pressure environments where employees’ emotional well-being can directly impact productivity and turnover rates. Emotionally intelligent managers are skilled at providing support for stressed employees, recognising when to offer help or additional resources and maintaining a calm, composed demeanour in crises, thereby setting a calming tone for the entire team.
Reason 3: Managers Have More Authority to Implement the Knowledge
Managers who receive specialised risk assessment training are equipped not just with theoretical knowledge but also the authority to implement it immediately. This implementation can range from revising safety protocols to integrating new software that tracks risk management processes.
These actions show proactive leadership, helping to avoid potential disasters and streamline operations. Moreover, managers with authority and the proper training can champion initiatives that might otherwise be sidelined, such as sustainability practices, technological upgrades or wellness programmes, directly impacting the organisation’s long-term resilience and success.
Reason 4: Managers Can Motivate Their Team to Apply The Lessons
A manager’s enthusiasm for continuous improvement and professional growth can be infectious. When team members see their leader actively applying new knowledge and skills, they are more likely to embrace learning themselves. For instance, a manager who has completed a course on innovative project management techniques and starts implementing these in daily operations can inspire their team to think creatively and adopt these new practices.
Moreover, managers can facilitate opportunities for team members to apply their training in real-world scenarios, providing a supportive environment where it’s safe to try new things and learn from mistakes. This not only enhances the team’s skills but also boosts morale and job satisfaction.
Reason 5: Successful Managers are Always Learning
A successful manager needs to be cultured when it comes to technology. Market shifts and cultural changes continuously transform industries. Managers who commit to lifelong learning demonstrate adaptability and foresight—qualities essential for modern leadership. This might involve engaging with emerging industry standards, learning new languages to communicate with a global team or exploring new business models driven by digital transformation.
Ongoing education helps managers to challenge the status quo, foster innovation within their teams and lead by example. It also prepares them to handle future challenges more effectively, from managing remote teams to integrating artificial intelligence into business processes.
Types of Professional Training Programmes for Managers
There is a wide range of training programmes designed specifically for managers, each aimed at addressing different facets of leadership and management. Below are some key types of professional training programmes that are beneficial for managers:
1. Leadership and Management Development Programmes
These programmes focus on enhancing the core leadership skills required to inspire and lead teams. Topics often include decision-making, conflict resolution, delegation and performance management.
Examples include leadership certification programmes like the CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership or the ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) qualifications. These courses help managers develop the ability to lead confidently, align their teams with company goals and foster a collaborative and motivated working environment.
2. Health and Safety Management Training
Health and safety are crucial components of a manager’s responsibilities, particularly in industries such as construction, manufacturing and healthcare. Training such as the IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH General Certificate equips managers with the knowledge to identify risks, implement safety protocols and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Managers trained in health and safety not only reduce workplace accidents but also promote a culture of safety, showing their team that employee well-being is a top priority.
3. Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management
Emotional intelligence training helps managers understand and regulate emotions—both their own and those of their employees. Programmes in emotional intelligence, such as the EQ-i 2.0 certification, are becoming increasingly popular as workplaces prioritise mental health.
Additionally, training on stress management enables managers to handle high-pressure situations calmly and assist employees in managing stress, ultimately fostering a more resilient and productive team.
4. Project Management Certifications
Project management is a vital skill for managers in nearly every industry. Certifications like the PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) provide managers with the tools to plan, execute and oversee projects efficiently. These courses often cover methodologies for project planning, risk management and resource allocation, ensuring that managers can lead complex projects to successful completion while keeping teams aligned and deadlines met.
5. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Training
Modern organisations are placing increasing importance on diversity, equity and inclusion. DEI training helps managers create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and heard.
This training can focus on topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership and equitable hiring practices. Managers who have undergone DEI training can foster a more positive and productive work environment, improve team collaboration and support the organisation’s broader goals of equity and inclusion.