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  • Rod Morgan, Head of Faculty at RPM-Academy

Bridging the Gap: Equipping New Managers with Essential Skills for Success

The role of a manager In today's rapidly changing workforce has never been more crucial—or more challenging. With the pace of retirements accelerating, as highlighted by the Labour Force Survey, we are witnessing a significant shift in the demographics of our workforce. The survey estimates that 266,000 people retired in the prior 12 months as of December 2022, representing a 17% increase over the previous two years. This trend is expected to continue, with nearly 900,000 workers projected to leave their jobs in the next three years.

Source: TD Bank “The Greying of Canada’s Population” https://economics.td.com/ca-demographics


A bar chart depicting the labor force participation rates by age group that illustrates the growing percentage approaching retirement.

As seasoned managers retire, a gap in skilled leadership is emerging. According to the latest census data from 2021, the ratio of older to younger workers varies significantly by occupation. For instance, in senior management roles, the ratio of older workers (55 and above) to younger workers (25 to 34) is a staggering 4.13 to 1 . This imbalance underscores the urgent need to prepare the next generation of managers to step into these critical roles.


However, promoting top performers to management roles based on their success in non-management positions often leads to a mismatch of skills. As Jim Harter, Gallup’s Chief Scientist, points out, the talents that make someone excel in sales, accounting, or other specialties are not the same ones that ensure success as a manager or leader . This disconnect can leave new managers feeling unprepared and overwhelmed.

Source: “Why 50% of New Managers Are Not Ready To Lead.” https://www.leadershipfirst.net/post/why-50-of-new-managers-are-not-ready-to-lead


The Challenges New Managers Face


Image of a manager at a desk who appears to be struggling with some decision or issue.

New managers often grapple with a range of challenges as they transition into their roles. These include setting the right tone, building key relationships, understanding HR processes, fostering team engagement, and navigating the complexities of organizational culture. Without the right training and support, these challenges can impede their ability to lead effectively and build high-performance teams.



The Importance of Managerial Training


To address these issues, it is essential to equip new managers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Proper training can help them develop resilience, create effective development plans for their teams, establish professional relationships and boundaries, and onboard new employees smoothly. It also prepares them to handle probation periods, understand business culture, and spend meaningful time with departing employees to gather valuable feedback.


RPM-Academy's Certificate in Manager Essentials


Recognizing the critical need for comprehensive managerial training, RPM-Academy has developed the Certificate in Manager Essentials. This program is designed specifically for new managers, supervisors, and those struggling in their current roles. The 16-module course covers a wide range of topics, including:


  • Getting the Most out of Your Manager's Playbook

  • Setting the Right Tone

  • Building Key Relationships

  • Working with HR

  • Resilience as a New Manager

  • Improving Your Team With Development Plans

  • Encouraging Engagement

  • Professional Relationships and Boundaries

  • How to put a Playbook Together

  • Onboarding Staff as a New Employee

  • Connecting Employees to their Purpose

  • Probation Periods: what are they good for?

  • When Onboarding Goes Wrong

  • How to Understand New Business Culture

  • Spending Time with Departing Employees

  • Buddy Systems


Why Enroll Now?


With the ongoing wave of retirements and the resulting skilled labor shortages, now is the perfect time to invest in your managerial skills. Whether you are new to the role or looking to enhance your current capabilities, the Certificate in Manager Essentials will provide you with the tools and confidence needed to lead your team to success.


As part of our current Flash Sale, you can enroll in this comprehensive program for just $19.95 CAD, a savings of 33% off the regular price! Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and make a significant impact in your organization.


Ready to take the next step in your managerial journey? Enroll in the Certificate in Manager Essentials today and unlock the potential to become a high-performing leader. Visit RPM-Academy to sign up now and take advantage of our limited-time Flash Sale.



Equip yourself with the essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of management and lead your team to new heights. Your future as an effective, inspiring manager starts here.

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