Manager Essentials
MANAGER ESSENTIALS
Program Overview:
People managers are the linchpins of our organizations, shaping team culture, engagement, and performance. Yet, most new managers are promoted with little to no formal support, left to navigate leadership challenges through trial and error.
The reality? 66% of managers have had no formal training for their roles (Fortune), and a staggering 82% of managers consider themselves “accidental managers”—thrust into leadership without structured guidance (Small Business Charter). Without the right tools and knowledge, they struggle with coaching skills, communication, and team development—impacting their confidence, effectiveness, and, ultimately, team success.
Manager Essentials bridges this gap. This program, designed for new and emerging managers, provides the essential skills, strategies, and coaching to accelerate leadership confidence and capability. Participants leave equipped to lead with clarity, impact, and resilience.
What You'll Get:
- Ten expert-led sessions (15 hours total) covering the core pillars of leadership
- Three 1:1 leadership coaching sessions for personalized growth
- One industry-leading, science-backed assessment to deepen self-awareness and leadership insight
- Hands-on tools and practical strategies to apply immediately
- A supportive peer network to learn, share, and grow together
- A proven framework to navigate leadership and management challenges with confidence.
- A professional certificate recognizing your leadership development.
Many organizations recognize the need to develop strong, capable managers, but not every company has the scale, timing, or budget for a full-scale leadership program. Others struggle to provide training at the right moment— leaving managers to figure things out on their own.
After overwhelming demand, we’re answering the call. Plum Leadership Group: Manager Essentials is designed for organizations and individuals who need practical, high-impact leadership training—right when it matters most. This cohort-based program brings together new and emerging managers from diverse industries, creating a dynamic learning experience that delivers immediate, real-world results.
MANAGER ESSENTIALS
Open enrollment for individuals and organizations. See currrent available offerings below.
Group discounts are available for organizations who wish to register five or more participants.
Spring 2026 Cohort
Winter 2026 Cohort (Sold Out)
Spring 2026 Cohort
Registration Open
Ten virtual workshops via Zoom (15 hours total)
Three 1:1 leadership coaching sessions
One industry-leading assessment
April 15th | BUILDING YOUR MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
April 20th | LEADING YOURSELF FIRST
April 29th | COMMUNICATION THAT BUILDS TRUST
May 6th | FEEDBACK & DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS
May 13th | COACHING & DEVELOPING OTHERS
May 20th | PERFORMANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY
May 27th | TEAM CULTURE & PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
June 3rd | BUILDING & LEADING EFFECTIVE TEAMS
June 10th | TALENT DECISIONS & MANAGING UP
June 17th | CAREER CONVERSATIONS & LEADING THROUGH CHANGE
Sessions run every Wednesday for 10 weeks
9:30-11:00 pm PST | 12:30-2:00 pm EST
SESSION INFORMATION
Session 1 | Building Your Management & Leadership Foundation
- Defining their own leadership and management philosophy
- Understanding core managerial responsibilities and expectations
- Developing situational leadership skills to adapt to different team members and circumstances
- Applying motivation theories to inspire and engage their teams
Session 2 | Leading Self First
- Recognizing personal triggers and patterns under pressure
- Building emotional regulation and self-management skills
- Strengthening time and energy management practices
- Modeling steadiness and accountability for their teams
Session 3 | Communication that Builds Trust
- Strengthening listening skills to improve understanding and clarity
- Reducing assumptions through direct, focused communication
- Creating space for open dialogue and diverse perspectives
- Building trust through consistency and follow-through
Session 4 | Feedback & Difficult Conversations
- Delivering reinforcing and redirecting feedback effectively
- Preparing for difficult conversations with clarity and intention
- Staying grounded and composed when emotions rise
- Repairing relationships when conversations do not go as planned
Session 5 | Coaching & Developing Others
- Adopting a coaching mindset to support growth
- Using questions to build ownership and problem-solving skills
- Supporting development through clear goals and feedback
- Creating practical development plans aligned to performance
Session 6 | Performance & Accountability
- Setting measurable expectations and defining success
- Monitoring progress and providing timely course correction
- Addressing performance gaps early and directly
- Balancing accountability with trust and autonomy
Session 7 | Team Culture & Psychological Safety
- Identifying behaviors that shape healthy team culture
- Practicing psychological safety in daily interactions
- Establishing clear norms and shared expectations
- Addressing negativity and disengagement constructively
Session 8 | Building & Leading Effective Teams
- Clarifying roles, responsibilities, and decision rights
- Navigating team conflict with structure and fairness
- Leveraging individual strengths to improve collaboration
- Running focused, productive team meetings
Session 9 | Talent Decisions & Managing Up
- Applying sound judgment in hiring and selection decisions
- Designing onboarding experiences that accelerate integration
- Aligning priorities and expectations with senior leaders
- Managing upward through clear communication and influence
Session 10 | Career Conversations & Leading Through Change
- Conducting meaningful career and growth conversations
- Supporting mobility and skill development within the team
- Leading through change with clarity and transparency
- Integrating learning into a practical leadership action plan
Investing in Manager Training pays off—for both managers and their teams. After completing our program, participants experience:
- 700% increase in confidence
- 77% increase in leadership capability
- 320% increase in their sense of support from their employer
For their teams, this translates into:
- Greater job satisfaction and engagement, as employees feel more heard, supported, and empowered
- Higher productivity, driven by clearer communication, stronger decision-making, and more effective delegation
- Reduced turnover, as employees are 62% more likely to stay when they report having a great manager
For organizations, the return on investment (ROI) is undeniable:
- Stronger leadership pipeline, reducing the cost and disruption of turnover
- Improved team performance, increasing operational efficiency and revenue
- Higher retention and morale, lowering hiring and training expenses
A better manager doesn’t just impact one person—it strengthens teams, enhances company culture, and drives lasting business success.
Lindsay Zubek
Lindsay holds an Honours BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo, is a SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) through the Society for Human Resource Management, and a Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). She is a Certified Professional Coach (CPCC) credentialed by the Co-Active Training Institute, the world’s leading authority in coach training and leadership development.
Through one-on-one coaching sessions in this program, Lindsay helps new managers gain confidence in their leadership identity, navigate common pitfalls, and develop a coaching mindset to empower their teams. Her expertise ensures that new managers build essential leadership skills and develop the emotional intelligence and resilience needed to thrive in their roles.
Tonya Drummonds
What is the New Manager Essentials training program?
The New Manager Essentials Training Program is a comprehensive leadership development course designed for new and emerging managers. This program equips participants with essential leadership skills, confidence, and the mindset needed to lead effectively. Through interactive, instructor-led sessions, industry-leading assessments, and personalized executive coaching, participants gain practical tools and strategies to navigate their leadership journey successfully.
What is the time commitment for the program?
The program consists of:
- Ten (10) interactive, 1.5-hour virtual sessions held weekly on Wednesdays over 10 weeks
- Three (3) one-on-one coaching sessions
- Reflection and application exercises between sessions
How is the New Manager Essentials training program different from other leadership courses?
Unlike traditional leadership programs, our training takes a holistic, hands-on approach by combining:
- Live, instructor-led training for real-time engagement
- Industry-leading assessments to benchmark strengths and growth areas
- One-on-one executive coaching for personalized development
- Interactive discussions and peer learning to enhance real-world application
This ensures that managers leave not just with insights, but with the confidence and strategies to lead effectively.
Can I purchase additional training or coaching?
Yes. Participants can purchase additional coaching sessions, assessments, or leadership training based on their specific needs. We offer a complimentary consultation to help determine the best next steps for your development.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
We are committed to client satisfaction. If you need to cancel or request a refund, please contact us to discuss your options, and we will work with you to find the best solution.
Does the New Manager Essentials training program count toward professional development or continuing education credits?
This depends on your profession and accrediting body. Please contact us with details about your requirements, and we can provide the necessary documentation for your submission.
How do I know if this program is the right fit for me or my team?
What are the key takeaways from the New Manager Essentials training program?
Participants will gain:
- Leadership capabilities, including communication, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and coaching skills
- A leadership framework to guide their growth and decision-making
- Practical tools to apply immediately in their roles
- A personal development plan to enhance leadership effectiveness
Which industries or roles benefit most from this program?
The New Manager Essentials Training Program is designed for leaders across all industries and sectors. Whether you're in corporate leadership, healthcare, technology, education, or nonprofit management, this program provides actionable leadership strategies that apply across industries.
What is the training format (in-person, virtual, hybrid)?
This program is currently offered virtually. However, organizations can request customized in-person training for their teams.
Does the program including coaching?
Yes, the New Manager Essentials Training Program includes three (3) private, one-on-one leadership coaching sessions. These sessions help participants apply what they’ve learned, overcome challenges, and accelerate their leadership growth.
Can organizations customize this training for their teams?
Yes. We offer customized corporate training solutions tailored to your team’s specific leadership development needs. Contact us to discuss how we can bring this program to your organization.
What is the cost of the program?
Pricing depends on how many participants per organization. Please reach out for pricing to info@plumleadershipgroup.com and indicate how many participants.Â
Do participants receive a certificate upon completion?
Can companies partner with Plum Leadership Group to deliver this training internally?
Yes. We collaborate with organizations to offer in-house leadership training, customizing the program to align with your company’s leadership development goals.