Training courses → Management & leadership → Thinking as a manager
Training course: Thinking as a manager
Two hours • In-person or remote • 4-15 participants
Rated 4.7/5 ★★★★★ from 79 reviews
Step confidently into a management frame of mind
Thinking as a Manager is designed to help people managers at all levels develop the mindset, confidence, and practical skills needed to lead effectively.
The transition from team member to manager is one of the biggest leaps in a professional career and many new managers find it challenging.
The transition from team member to manager is one of the biggest leaps in a professional career and many new managers find it challenging.
This course supports participants through that transition, helping them move from focusing on individual performance to taking ownership for team outcomes.
It's a powerful, practical session for supporting first-time managers, those preparing for promotion, and more experienced managers looking to reflect and recalibrate their approach.
Whether you’re creating a manager training program, upskilling new team leaders, or giving experienced managers space to reflect and refine their approach, this course provides a proven framework for success.
Key details
this bitesize training course is two hours long and packed with powerful ideas to boost management performance
designed for groups of 4 – 15
delivered by an expert trainer at your UK workplace, or virtually
interactive, with plenty of exercises that get people talking
customisable, to connect with your organisation’s values
Download the full course outline
Who this Course is for
This course is ideal for organisations looking to provide training for new managers, as well as those running structured management training courses for developing managers.
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Newly promoted managers and supervisors
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High-potential employees
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Experienced managers
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HR and L&D professionals
What participants will learn
By the end of this manager training course, participants will:
Understand the shift from individual contributor to manager
Learn why accountability is central to good management
Give themselves ‘permission to manage’ and step into the role with confidence
Build a personal leadership style grounded in authenticity
Identify their own core management values to guide decisions
Recognise existing team dynamics and how to influence them positively
Find quick wins that build early credibility with their team
Create a personal development strategy to continue growing as a manager
💡This is a practical, interactive session designed to create lightbulb moments that participants can take back to the workplace immediately.
Core topics covered
The Managers’ Challenge
Explore the most common pitfalls new managers face and how to avoid them.
The Psychological Contract
Understand the “unwritten agreement”, and how to set healthy expectations.
Reversing Unhelpful Habits
Reflect on your current management style and make positive changes.
Purpose and Expectations
Define your team’s purpose and create consistency in your leadership approach.
Authenticity in Leadership
Identify your natural strengths and build an authentic leadership style.
Quick Wins & Action Plan
Identify immediate opportunities and create a personal development strategy.
Course Delivery
Our management training courses for new managers are designed to be short, powerful, and easy to fit into busy schedules.
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2 hours, packed with high-impact learning
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Delivered in-person anywhere in the world, or virtually for remote teams
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Best for 4–15 participants to maximise engagement
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Live, interactive, discussion-based with no long lectures or death by powerpoint
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All our courses can be tailored to your organisation’s values, culture, and goals
Attendee reviews for ‘Thinking as a manager’
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“A great trainer who clearly is very passionate about what she does – and this really came through in the session. The session was well-paced, with plenty of time for group discussions – and everyone was listened to. There was no awkwardness (which there can often be with people not contributing) and everyone felt comfortable speaking out.“
★★★★★
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“Our trainer was really engaging, the content wasn’t too technical or 'telling people what to do' but rather have an insight into the different types of people we all are as managers and employees and how to try and adapt. It felt refreshing and I learnt a lot which I will take forward.”
★★★★★
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“Loved the format, really engaging and quick thinking. Nothing dragged out and it was great to interact with colleagues I haven’t met before.”
★★★★★
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"Clear information delivered in an interesting and engaging way – thoroughly enjoyed this session!"
★★★★★
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“Incredibly useful for new managers."
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"Very informative, without being an overload of information."
★★★★★
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"I was dubious before going on this course, but I found it extremely useful!
★★★★★
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"Really engaging and thought provoking – I found it really helpful."
★★★★★
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"Well presented, easy to understand and just the right length to keep my attention."
★★★★★
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"The workshop was really interactive and engaged the whole team."
★★★★★
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"An excellent course, and very helpful tools. Thanks so much."
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Why choose
BiteSize Learning?
When you work with BiteSize Learning you’re gaining a trusted partner in developing your managers and building stronger teams.
Our manager training courses are designed and delivered by experienced trainers who have worked with organisations of every size, from small teams to global enterprises. Each trainer brings a depth of real-world leadership experience, allowing them to relate to the challenges your managers face every day.
Our structured approach ensures consistency across every course, while allowing for customisation to reflect your organisation’s culture and objectives. Unlike generic online learning, our training sessions are live, interactive, and designed to drive measurable change. Participants leave with practical tools they can use immediately, from giving feedback to delegating effectively.
After 20 years of training managers, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses improve team performance, reduce staff turnover, and create engaged, motivated workplaces.
We’re passionate about making management training accessible, actionable, and impactful so your managers can thrive and your business can grow.
Video: what ‘crutches’do new managers lean on?
Because many new managers are promoted into their position without receiving additional training, they often rely on status, technical knowledge or likability to get things done.
In this video, Paul Hodder, BiteSize Learning founder and course designer of ‘Thinking as a Manager’, explains how our bitesize course empowers attendees to build a more durable foundation for their management responsibilities.
“Maximal learning in a short, but intense, session. This is definitely the way forward for management training, as far as I am concerned.”
Professor Niamh Moran, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland ★★★★★
