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Behaviour change for first-time managers

For those stepping up from individual excellence to leading others with confidence and clarity. 

Help your new managers lead, not just manage.

Photo of an Asian man wearing a blue sport coat and smiling

Behaviours we develop

Most companies promote great performers and expect them to ‘figure out’ leadership. But without real development, confidence drops, burnout rises – and the future leadership pipeline breaks before it even begins. 

Photo of an Asian man wearing a blue sport coat and leaning forward excitedly

Why first-time leadership matters

Most new managers are set up to fail.  

They’re promoted for performance and then left to figure out people leadership alone. That gap leads to missed feedback, stalled progress and rising burnout. 

Without the right support, new managers default to what they know: doing the work themselves. The cost? Missed feedback, rising burnout, slowed progress - and a leadership pipeline that cracks under pressure.  

How often is this going wrong?  

  • Two-thirds of managers don’t want to be managers any more  
  • Leadership confidence has dropped 30% in the last 25 years 
  • Companies spend $366 billion a year on leadership development but most see little return 

Get this moment right and everything changes. Teams with good managers see a 13% productivity boost. New managers grow faster, their teams perform better, and leadership becomes a multiplier not a bottleneck.  

Photo of an Asian man wearing a blue sport coat and looking forward

Three ways to support your new managers

01 Ready-to-Go Learning Journeys

Need a proven solution to boost the performance of first-time managers?

Our ready-to-go learning journeys are designed by behavioural scientists to tackle the most common, costly and critical blockers vague expectations, feedback avoidance and hands-on micromanagement. They deliver real impact and are ready to launch fast no need to build from scratch. 

Each journey is grounded in behavioural science and built to drive lasting change. And while theyre ready-made, they’re never rigid every module can be adapted to fit your unique context, from adding tools to switching out sessions. 

Take our Manager Conversation Solution below as an example. It equips first-time managers to: 

  • Give feedback that’s clear, confident and constructive 
  • Navigate tough conversations without derailing trust 
  • Coach in the moment and stretch performance without stress 

And with Lio, our AI-powered conversation coach, they get to practise in a safe, realistic environment no awkward role-plays, no judgement. Just smart, adaptive feedback that builds skill and confidence, one conversation at a time. 

Capability that grows, minus the learning curve. 

Note: Click the icons below to reveal details about each step along the journey.

MindGym's behaviour-change framework

Engage

Sparks curiosity and motivation by making learning feel personal, relevant and immediately valuable.

Participate

Transforms passive learning into active discovery through interactive, bite-sized experiences and real-world practice.

Activate

Reinforces new behaviours with structured follow-ups, action planning and continuous feedback to ensure lasting change.

Lio conversation coach

Our AI-powered coach helps leaders practise and master critical conversations including feedback, underperformance and goal setting in a realistic, private and bias-free space and with instant behavioural feedback.

02 Content Subscriptions

Want open access to content that that drives new manager performance?

Our Content Subscriptions give you on-demand access to a full catalogue of content all backed by behavioural science and designed to build the habits that matter most. 

Every module is created by a behavioural scientist and focused on performance outcomes so youre not just choosing content, youre choosing results. And with open access, you can flex what you use and when, based on your priorities. 

Need more impact? Add on tools, diagnostics or nudges to accelerate change.

You can also lean on our expert facilitators to deliver content or certify your internal teams to run it in-house whatever works best for you. 

All
Customer service iconCustomer service

Affinity and beyond

Connect with customers
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

All together now

Build an inclusive culture
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Are you ok?

Reach out to your people
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

At the top of our game

How to improve management
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Ethics iconEthics

Barrels not apples

Learn ethics and morals
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Ethics iconEthics

Before the fall

Dealing with stressful situations
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Better at work

Improve wellbeing through work
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Bounce back

Recover from professional setbacks
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Buddy to boss

How to handle your new status
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Change & transformation iconChange & transformation

Building belief

Increase confidence
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Building bridges

Avoid exclusion
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Business savvy

Overcome business challenges
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Respect iconRespect

Call it out

Speak up against harassment
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Calm your inner critic

Managing self-criticism
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Change & transformation iconChange & transformation

Change agility

Managing change
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+, Up to 20
Duration(s):
60 Minutes, 90 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Coach

Learn coaching
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Conflict handling

Deal with conflict
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Courageous conversations

Managing difficult conversations
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Create your own future

Determine your destiny
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Creativity for logical thinkers

Unlocking creativity
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Customer service iconCustomer service

Critical moments

Maximising your time at work
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Cultural connector

Help cross-cultural teams thrive
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Cultural explorer

Dealing with culutre sensitively
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Customer service iconCustomer service

Customer compass

Placing customers first
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Different perspectives

Creating new opportunities
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Direct

The secret to steering teams to success
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Dynamic delegation

Delegate smarter, lead better
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Energize

Invigorate and inspire your team
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Energy source

Build a happy, healthy and producitve team
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Change & transformation iconChange & transformation

Ever ready

Leading teams through change
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
1,000+, Up to 20
Duration(s):
60 Minutes, 90 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Execute

Performance that delivers results
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Customer service iconCustomer service

Experiential leadership

Leading to excellence
Learn more
Audience:
Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Extra time

Take control of your time
Learn more
Audience:
Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Respect iconRespect

Fair warning

Prevent, address and stop workplace harassment
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Fantastic feedback

Improving performance with feedback
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Fearless teams

Help your teams feel psychologically safe
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Fears to ideas

Foster a culture of psychological safety
Learn more
Audience:
Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

First 100 days

Fast-track new employee productivity
Learn more
Audience:
Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Flourish

Improve your wellbeing
Learn more
Audience:
Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Getting things done

Thinking proactively
Learn more
Audience:
Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Give me strength

Unveiling personal strengths
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Give me time

Using your time efficiently
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Goal getting

Reach your professional goals
Learn more
Audience:
Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Goal setting

Defining professional goals
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Ethics iconEthics

Good business

Improve your managing skills
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Good decision

Making the right choice
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Great feedback

Get better at giving feedback
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Hybrid iconHybrid

Harnessing hybrid

Balance flexibility and belonging
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Having presence

Learn how to own the room
Learn more
Audience:
Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Held to account

Helping your team take ownership
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Hi to hire

Be inclusive when hiring
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Home truths

Making the most of feedback
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Ignite inclusion

Enhance your workplace inclusivity
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Inclusion catalyst

Influence those around you
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Influence and persuade

Understanding how to influence others
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Innovate

Lead the most innovative team
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Inspire

Appeal to people's emotions and values
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Knowing me knowing you

Value difference and learn from it
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Change & transformation iconChange & transformation

Leading change

Making change work
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Leading inclusively

Create an inclusive environment
Learn more
Audience:
Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Make it matter

Make work meaningful
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Managing expectations

Imrpove communication
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Customer service iconCustomer service

Mastery coaching

Getting the most out of your team
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Maxing meaning

Dial up your sense of purpose
Learn more
Audience:
Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Motivate

Discover how to motivate others
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Ethics iconEthics

No regrets

Bring an ethical touch
Learn more
Audience:
Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

One of us

Build a culture of inclusion
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Onwards and upwards

Support your people through crisis
Learn more
Audience:
Leaders
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Out of autopilot

Build habits that serve you
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Partner for success

Take relationships to partner level
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Pathfinder

Taking charge of your career path
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Peak performance

Boost your team's performance
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Performance coaching

Drive performance through coaching
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Play to strength

Leverage your team's strengths
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Rate success

Drive better results
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Customer service iconCustomer service

Read the need

What your customers really need
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Customer service iconCustomer service

Ready to relay

Balance learning and execution
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Relate

Build positive relationships
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Remote control

Learn how to manage remotely
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Respect iconRespect

Respect me

Build respect in a workplace
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Rewarding

Reinforce positive behaviours
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Ethics iconEthics

Scruples

Keep ongoing ethical conversations
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Performance management iconPerformance management

Shaping futures

Help your team take charge of their career
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Stand by me

How to be an ally
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Ethics iconEthics

Standing firm

Maintain integrity
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Staying power

Persevere towards your goals
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Storytelling

Transfrom information
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Take control

Look after your wellbeing
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Talking race

Create an authentic dialogue
Learn more
Audience:
Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

The big picture

Improve decision-making
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

The in crowd

Learn how to bring people in
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Thrive

Shift from doing to leading
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Tricky people

Deal with them positively
Learn more
Audience:
Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Hybrid iconHybrid

Trust in hybrid

Build strong relationships
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Trust me

Build trust amongst your peers
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Under pressure

Managing workload
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Unlock your learning

Be more curious
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Wake your mind up

Produce your best work
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Well balanced

Balance wellbeing and productivity
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Wellbeing iconWellbeing

Well led

Create a wellbeing climate
Learn more
Audience:
Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

Why managers matter

Secrets of great managers
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Diversity & inclusion iconDiversity & inclusion

Wise choice

Make better people management decisions
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
1,000+
Duration(s):
60 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Wood for trees

Change the way your see things
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders, Individual contributors
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
Leadership development iconLeadership development

You're hired

Find the best talent
Learn more
Audience:
Managers
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
180 Minutes
Professional skills iconProfessional skills

Your impact on others

Understand those around you
Learn more
Audience:
Managers, Leaders
Group Size(s):
Up to 20
Duration(s):
90 Minutes
  • 3
  • 6
  • 9

03 Custom Transformation

Need a more custom manager development solution?

We design experiences shaped around your specific goals whether that’s culture shift, capability uplift or behaviour change at scale.  

Our team of behavioural change experts will: 

  • Define what ‘great’ looks like for your managers 
  • Identify the behaviours that will deliver it 
  • Assemble the tools, content and experiences that make change happen and stick 

And because everything we offer is modular, you can flex in what you need when you need it from diagnostics and digital tools to coaching and measurement.  

Latest from MindGym

New Webinar: Leadership for Growth

Discover the secret to Galderma's successful leadership development programme.

Watch Now

Digital tools spotlight

How we've helped other organisations
reach their strategic goals

Grow leaders who grow your business

First-time managers are your leadership pipeline.  Get this moment wrong, and you build a bottleneck that slows every level of growth. 

Get it right, and you unlock teams that perform better, stay longer, and build the future. 

Let's make first-time leadership your company's biggest multiplier, not its biggest risk. 

Enquire now