The programme recognises that management capability is not built through theory alone. Behavioural change happens when learning is combined with reflection, application, and informed challenge.
Programme Structure
Total learning: 7 hours of structured CPD learning
Classroom-Based Group Learning (7 hours)
A facilitated, in-person group learning experience focused on real-world management challenges. The session explores:
- The distinction between managing tasks and leading people
- How pressure, risk, and operational demands affect management behaviour
- Common failure points when technically excellent people are promoted into management roles
- Practical frameworks grounded in real operational environments, not academic theory
Applied Mentoring (4 × 1-hour sessions)
Each participant receives four individual mentoring sessions, spaced at least one week apart, designed to translate learning into workplace practice.
- Sessions focus on real challenges the manager is facing in their role
- Reflection, sense-checking, and practical application are prioritised over instruction
- The manager's line manager is engaged as part of the process to provide context, alignment, and a realistic view of expectations and pressures
Development Tools
Participants are supported with industry-recognised development tools to deepen insight and guide action:
- StrengthScope® strengths profile identifying natural capabilities and potential overplayed strengths
- 360-degree feedback review, structured input from peers, colleagues, and managers to provide a rounded view of leadership impact
Insights from both tools are explored during mentoring to support practical, sustainable behavioural change.
Final Review and Forward Actions
The programme concludes with a final review session focused on:
- How strengths and feedback have been applied in practice
- Observable changes in behaviour, decision-making, and leadership approach
- Clear, actionable steps for continued development beyond the programme
Six Pillars of Effective Management
Learning outcomes are anchored around six observed pillars of effective management in high-pressure settings:
1
Communication
Setting clear expectations and giving effective feedback under pressure
2
Decision-Making
Making sound, defensible decisions with incomplete information
3
Accountability
Creating ownership whilst maintaining professional relationships
4
Consistency
Applying standards and behaviours reliably to build trust
5
Adaptability
Adjusting leadership style to people, context, and risk
6
Emotional Intelligence
Recognising and managing emotions to sustain performance
These are not theoretical constructs, but human-centred behaviours consistently demonstrated by high-performing managers.
Programme Philosophy
The Better Manager Programme is built on the belief that:
Managers manage things, but lead people
Pressure amplifies behaviour, it does not create it
Leadership capability is developed through guided experience, not textbooks
Supporting managers effectively reduces operational risk, improves consistency, and strengthens team performance
Intentionally Selective
The programme is intentionally selective and is designed for managers who genuinely need space, support, and challenge to develop, not as a tick-box exercise for CPD hours, but as meaningful capability building.
Request a private and confidential discussion on applied leadership development
Email: Hello@lissahandboyle.co.uk