5 Considerations to Make When Choosing a New Manager Training Program

If you're stepping into a management role for the first time, or still finding your feet as a new leader, you already know that the learning curve can feel steep. From giving feedback to managing budgets and running effective meetings, you're likely being asked to do things you've never done before — and often with little guidance!

That's why manager coaching can be so valuable. But not every coaching program is built with new managers in mind. Some programs focus on senior executive leaders or company-wide transformation. Other training programs promise vague webinars about mindset shifts without offering tactical tools you can actually apply. So how do you know what's worth your time and money? Here's what I encourage you to look for, based on what we've seen work at Reframed Coaching.

1. Choose a program designed for new and early-career managers

You don't need a ten-step executive leadership plan right now. Instead, you need support with foundational topics like:

• Managing people 101
• Navigating tricky situations and difficult conversations
• Building your confidence as a leader
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback
• Managing former peers or older team members
• Running productive team meetings
• Prioritizing when everything feels urgent
• Setting boundaries and managing up
• Time management and productivity
• Building resilience and adaptability on the team

If a coaching program spends more time talking about building vision statements than navigating team dynamics, it's probably not aligned with what you're dealing with today: actual on-the-ground management challenges.

2. Look for coaches who have relevant experience

Your coach doesn't need to know the ins and outs of your industry, but they should understand the challenges of managing people for the first time! Before founding Reframed Coaching, I led marketing teams inside fast-paced, VC-backed startups and corporate brands like Aritzia, KPMG, and Louis Vuitton. I know what it's like to move from doing the work to managing people doing the work, and how tough that transition can be when you're figuring it out as you go.

If you're trying to navigate performance issues, build trust with former peers, or simply feel more grounded in your role, it helps to work with someone who's been there too.

3. Find a balance between structure and adaptability

Programs that are too rigid and structured can feel out of step with your actual challenges. On the other hand, overly unstructured coaching can leave you wondering if you're even making progress. We recommend looking for a hybrid approach: someone who gives you valuable tactical tools while also allowing you space to talk through current issues.

In Reframed Coaching's programs, we use different coaching and science-based frameworks to introduce key management tools, but we also leave room to address what's happening in the here and now. That might mean role-playing a difficult conversation you need to have the next day, or reviewing a team communication that didn't land the way you hoped.

4. Make space for reflection and connection

It helps to know you're not alone. Some of the most powerful insights come when managers realize that others in the same training program are facing the same challenges and feel the exact same way. Leadership is hard and isolating! If a program offers optional group sessions or peer discussions, take advantage of them. They can boost your skillset as you learn a new leadership language, fresh strategies, and a broader view of leadership.

5. Focus on real-world application

Ask yourself: What kind of progress do you want to make? How do you want coaching or training to impact your day-to-day life? For us at Reframed Coaching, we design every session to leave managers with something useful — a new tool for setting goals with your team, or a mindset shift in how you handle difficult feedback.

What matters most is that you walk away with tangible skills, templates and strategies that help you feel more confident and capable as you continue on your management journey.

Coaching should meet you where you are

Nobody has ever figured out how to be an effective leader overnight. And if someone has told you they have, they are likely lying to you! With the right kind of support, however, you can get clear on your goals and avoid a lot of the unnecessary headaches that come with new management.