Time and time again, research has shown that investing in leadership development yields significant benefits for organizations. The transition from an individual contributor to a managerial role can be challenging, requiring new skills in performance enablement, delegation, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. One of the most significant hurdles for new managers is shifting from executing tasks to overseeing and developing others in their execution.
A McKinsey study found that 39% of new managers struggle with delegating tasks, often resorting to micromanagement due to trust issues or setting overly high personal standards. This tendency can lead to burnout for managers and frustration for their teams, creating a cycle of inefficiency and disengagement.
New managers are often promoted based on technical expertise, yet the soft skills required to manage people are drastically different. A LinkedIn Learning study revealed that 61% of managers feel underprepared in key areas like communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. These skills are particularly vital when managing difficult conversations around performance or navigating team conflicts.
At InspireOne, we have collaborated with multiple organizations to design impactful leadership development journeys. One such recent partnership was with a global telecom leader to support their mission of empowering first time managers across the globe through a structured, comprehensive program.
The Challenge
This organization recognized the urgent need to upskill newly promoted managers, helping them transition successfully into leadership roles. These managers needed support to:
Navigate their new responsibilities effectively.
Develop impactful leadership styles, especially for leading virtual teams.
Drive results through enhanced problem-solving, delegation, and goal-setting skills.
With a globally dispersed workforce, the company required a scalable, high-impact solution to build managerial capabilities at scale.
The Solution
‘Stepping Into Leadership’ was designed as a 12-week development journey, integrating diverse learning methodologies to maximize effectiveness. InspireOne worked closely with the organization to customize the program to align with their leadership vision and business goals. The journey was structured into three key phases:
Phase 1: Diagnostics & Pre-Program Alignment
Stakeholder Consultations: Interviews and focus group discussions helped identify critical leadership development themes.
Supervisor Orientation: A preparatory session aligned supervisors on their role in supporting participants throughout the program.
Key learning methodologies included AI-driven leadership behaviour assessments that helped participants identify their two least-applied leadership behaviours. Six virtual instructor-led sessions featured interactive workshops with case studies, role-plays, and peer discussions. Gamification through the Master-O platform offered a mobile-first, game-based learning experience, ensuring continuous engagement. On-the-job assignments, such as stakeholder mapping and leadership flexibility exercises, reinforced the practical application of concepts.
Phase 2: Implementation
The program featured three core modules, delivered over four weeks each:
Role Understanding Post-Transition: Helping managers grasp their new responsibilities and the behavioural shifts needed for leadership success.
Becoming a People Leader: Enhancing skills in giving feedback, managing performance conversations, and leading virtual teams.
Driving Results: Strengthening abilities in goal setting, delegation, and building a problem-solving mindset.
Phase 3: Post-Program Assessment & Recognition
Behavioural Impact Measurement: Post-assessments evaluated skill development and shifts in leadership behaviours.
Certification & Recognition: Participants meeting the criteria were awarded completion badges.
The Impact
The program delivered tangible results, boosting both leadership readiness and organizational effectiveness. 83% of participants successfully completed the program, with 52% achieving Platinum Certification—reflecting high engagement and strong learning outcomes. Post-assessment data showed that 96.5% of participants demonstrated improvement in their least-applied leadership behaviours.
The organization’s internal survey showed marked improvements in leadership perception:
86% agreed that managers act consistently with their words (+4% from the previous year);
87% felt managers help remove obstacles (+4%); and
85% believed managers build teamwork effectively (+4%).
By investing in a structured and immersive development program, this global telecom leader successfully equipped its first time managers with the skills to lead confidently and drive business results. The blend of assessments, workshops, gamification, and on-the-job application ensured learning translated into real workplace impact.
At InspireOne, we specialize in designing customized leadership development journeys that build future-ready leaders. Through our research-backed methodologies and global expertise, we help organizations create strong leadership pipelines to fuel sustained business growth.
