Skip navigation

5 reasons why you should help employees become strong managers

Strong managers are pivotal in driving innovation, overcoming challenges and unlocking new growth opportunities.

Five people standing around a table having a meeting. The manager is in the middle.Five people standing around a table having a meeting. The manager is in the middle.

Table of contents

Insights from Ellen Raim, Founder of People MatterWe focus more on solving than preventing People problems.

Managers are critical in fostering an environment of engagement, productivity and business growth. That’s why empowering employees to become strong managers is an investment in their personal development and a strategic move toward building a resilient and innovative organization.

Here are five compelling reasons why nurturing managerial talents within your team can be a game-changer for your business.

1. Strong managers are trusted.

Trust is the foundation of any successful team.

When employees are guided to become effective managers, they learn the importance of building trust with their team members. This trust fosters a culture of openness, encourages risk-taking and facilitates an environment where feedback is valued and acted upon.

2. Strong managers enhance employee engagement.

Engaged employees are the lifeblood of any thriving business.

By developing strong managerial skills, managers learn how to motivate their teams, understand their unique needs and align them with the organization's goals. This heightened sense of purpose and belonging boosts overall employee engagement.

3. Strong managers boost productivity.

Strong managers are adept at identifying and leveraging the strengths of each team member, ensuring that tasks are allocated efficiently.

When individual contributors are leveraged to their fullest, it maximizes productivity and ensures that employees are engaged in work that is meaningful and fulfilling to them.

4. Strong managers improve retention metrics.

The cost of employee turnover can be staggering.

Investing in employees' growth to become strong and competent managers can significantly improve retention metrics. Managers with the right skills create a positive working environment that nurtures the professional growth of ICs, making those employees more likely to stay.

5. Strong managers result in business growth.

A team of strong managers steering their teams towards achieving strategic objectives is at the heart of every successful business.

Strong managers are pivotal in driving innovation, overcoming challenges and unlocking new growth opportunities. A comprehensive and modern L&D program is essential to cultivate the managerial qualities that result in envious business growth.

Here are 10 types of training shape well-rounded managers:

A manager training curriculum should encompass a broad spectrum of competencies, from technical skills in project and time management to the more nuanced arts of communication and relationship-building. Such a comprehensive approach prepares managers for the multifaceted challenges of their roles and empowers them to drive their teams toward excellence and innovation. 

1. Talent management

Understanding how to attract, develop, and retain top talent is crucial for any manager. Talent management classes should offer strategies for building high-performing teams aligned with the business’s goals.

2. Communication skills

Effective communication is critical to any managerial role. Communication classes should focus on enhancing communication to help managers articulate their vision, manage conflicts and foster a culture of transparency.

3. Project management

Equipping managers with project management skills ensures they can effectively lead initiatives from inception to completion, managing resources, timelines and stakeholders.

4. Time management

Time management classes help managers prioritize tasks, delegate effectively and ensure that team efforts are aligned with strategic objectives and business timelines.

5. Meeting facilitation

Effective meetings are a critical component of successful projects. Learning how to facilitate meetings that are focused, engaging and productive is valuable for any manager.

6. Giving feedback

Constructive feedback is vital for growth. Classes on giving feedback equip managers with the skills to provide actionable, empathetic and motivating feedback to their team members.

7. Difficult conversations

Managers often face challenging conversations. Training on engaging in difficult conversations can help managers navigate these situations with confidence and sensitivity.

8. Networking + building relationships

Building a broad network of contacts and nurturing professional relationships is essential for any manager. Networking classes for managers should teach the art of relationship-building.

9. Data and analytics

In today’s data-driven world, understanding how to interpret and use data effectively can give managers a competitive edge in decision-making. 

10. Problem-solving

Critical thinking and problem-solving classes prepare managers to tackle complex challenges, encouraging innovative solutions and strategic thinking across their teams.

Developing strong managerial skills within your organization is an investment in your business's future. By fostering a continuous learning and growth culture, you enhance your managers and the careers of their ICs as you drive your organization toward sustained success and innovation.

Grow your managers with Electives.

Your company's growth hinges on the strength of your managers. Equip them with the skills to lead with excellence. All live, interactive and engaging, our Modern Manager Training program is meticulously designed to catalyze employee engagement and supercharge productivity across your teams.

Latest resources

Learn more about creating a culture of learning throughout our resources below.

AI verification: The critical skill gap that threatens your AI investment
Electives team
 
Jan 27, 2026

AI verification: The critical skill gap that threatens your AI investment

Most companies focus on AI adoption but skip verification. Learn why checking AI output before it ships is critical and how to build verification into your workflow.
Innovation + productivity
People developing people: Treat L&D like a “master craftsman”
Electives team
 
Jan 23, 2026

People developing people: Treat L&D like a “master craftsman”

Michael Wallace shares how treating L&D like a master craftsman drives business impact by blending training methods, staying adaptable and making learning entertaining creates cultures where people grow.
People leader interviews
Why smart L&D teams are shifting budgets away from pre-recorded courses
Electives team
 
Jan 21, 2026

Why smart L&D teams are shifting budgets away from pre-recorded courses

Skills are changing faster than courses can keep up. Here's why L&D teams are shifting from buying content libraries to building real capabilities in 2026.
Learning best practices
What makes manager training different from leadership training
Electives team
 
Jan 20, 2026

What makes manager training different from leadership training

Manager training and leadership training aren't the same thing. Learn the key differences, what each role needs to learn and how to build development programs that actually work.
Leadership + management
5 ideas to celebrate Gender Equality Month at work
Electives team
 
Jan 15, 2026

5 ideas to celebrate Gender Equality Month at work

Gender Equality Month in March is an opportunity to celebrate women's social, political, cultural and academic achievements throughout the world.
Culture + collaboration
Turning training skeptics into learning champions
Electives team
 
Jan 14, 2026

Turning training skeptics into learning champions

Some employees resist every training initiative. Learn how to turn skeptics into champions by addressing their real concerns, proving value quickly and building genuine buy-in.
Culture + collaboration

View all posts

ENJOYABLE. EASY. EFFECTIVE.

Learning that works.

With live learning + AI simulations, Electives is a learning platform that makes it easy to design, execute and measure effectiveness.

Request a demo

Request a demo

Learn more

Learn more