What should a first-time manager training programme include?
By Bodhih Training Solutions, Bengaluru · UpdatedThe short answer
A first-time manager training programme should cover the shift from doing the work to getting work done through others: setting expectations, delegating, running one-to-ones, giving feedback, handling difficult conversations and managing time and priorities. Today it should also cover using AI tools responsibly in the team. Spread it over several months, practise on real situations, involve the new manager’s own manager and measure behaviour change at around 90 days.
What skills do first-time managers need most?
New managers are usually promoted for being good at their own job. The skills that made them successful are not the ones they now need most.
| Skill | What it looks like in practice |
|---|---|
| Mindset shift | Measuring success by the team’s output, not their own |
| Setting expectations | Clear goals, standards and deadlines for each person |
| Delegation | Handing over work with the right context and checkpoints |
| One-to-ones | Regular, structured conversations with each team member |
| Feedback | Specific, timely positive and corrective feedback |
| Difficult conversations | Performance issues, conflict, saying no |
| Priorities and time | Protecting time for people work, not only tasks |
| AI at work | Using AI tools well and setting safe-use norms for the team |
How should a first-time manager programme be structured?
A single workshop is easy to schedule and easy to forget. A journey over two to four months gives time to practise between sessions.
- Before: a diagnostic and a conversation with the new manager’s own manager.
- Month 1: foundations, expectations, one-to-ones and delegation.
- Month 2: feedback and difficult conversations, practised on real cases.
- Month 3: priorities, team planning and AI in the team’s workflow.
- Between sessions: one real assignment applied at work each fortnight.
- At 90 days: re-measure and review with the manager’s manager.
What delivery options are there?
Many organisations blend in-person and online delivery. Bodhih offers both, through two businesses.
| Option | Format | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First-Time Manager Learning Journey | In-person, by Bodhih Training | Delivered through bodhih.com in Indian and international cities |
| AI for Managers (Applied AI for First-Time Managers) | Online, self-paced | 16 hours over 28 days; ₹7,999 or ₹6,499 per company seat, excl. GST |
| Leadership toolkits | Deliver it yourself | 14 Leadership toolkits; ₹2,999 incl. GST or US$29 each |
What is in the AI for Managers course?
AI for Managers is an online, self-paced Applied AI course for first-time and new managers. It runs 16 hours over 28 days. It starts with a diagnostic, then 8 SCORM modules, a mock exam and a graded portfolio of 8 work products made on the learner’s own work and reviewed by a person. After a capstone and a proctored certification exam (pass mark at least 70% overall and at least 60% in every domain), learners receive a verifiable credential and Open Badge 2.0, and re-run the diagnostic at 90 days.
How do I measure whether new manager training worked?
Satisfaction scores tell you little about whether new managers now behave differently.
- Measure target behaviours before the programme and at around 90 days.
- Ask team members a few specific questions, for example about the regularity of one-to-ones.
- Ask the new manager’s own manager what has changed.
- Track practical indicators such as one-to-ones held and goals set.
Related reading
Build a first-time manager journey
Combine the online AI for Managers course with in-person sessions from Bodhih Training, and measure change at 90 days.
Questions people ask next
When should first-time manager training start?
Ideally within the first few weeks of promotion, or even just before, when habits are still forming. Waiting six months means the new manager has already developed habits, good or bad, by trial and error.
How long should a first-time manager programme last?
A journey of two to four months works better than a single workshop, because new managers need time to apply each skill at work between sessions. The online AI for Managers course runs 16 hours over 28 days and can sit inside a longer journey.
Should AI be part of new manager training?
Yes. Managers now decide how their teams use AI tools, check AI-assisted work and set safe-use norms. A new manager who has practised using AI on real management tasks, such as preparing for one-to-ones or drafting plans, is better placed to lead that.
Is the AI for Managers course enough on its own?
It covers using AI in management work and leads to a credential with a proctored exam. It does not replace practice of people skills such as feedback and difficult conversations in a room. Many organisations combine it with an in-person journey.
Can Bodhih run a first-time manager programme in-house?
Yes. Bodhih Training runs the First-Time Manager Learning Journey in person through bodhih.com, in cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Dubai and Singapore. Contact solutions@bodhih.com or call +91 99000 11601, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM IST.
What is the role of the new manager’s own manager?
A large one. They should agree goals before the programme, discuss each assignment, model good management and review progress at 90 days. Programmes where the senior manager is not involved usually see less change at work.