I created the online/on-demand program, First-Time Manager Academy, to fill a gaping hole in the market for practical, actionable new manager development, and, to fulfill a career-long promise to myself.

A Promise Born of Experience (the Hard Way):

The promise comes from my experience as a new manager. It was a sink-or-swim start-up, and I remember feeling like I was swimming against the tide just hoping to keep my head above water.

I made it, but it was close.

I had a patient but overwhelmed manager and I wasn’t high on her priority list. And, I think a few of my team members tolerated me because I wasn’t a complete jerk. (The operative word is complete—I cringe thinking about some of my early miscues with them.)

The Shift from Contributor to Manager is Awkward

I could have used a lot more context for the job. I really had no idea what I was getting into in this role. In reality, no one really knows what they’re getting into.

Take feedback for example. My first attempts were more like extended psychotherapy sessions, and I didn’t have a license! Other efforts often ended up as critiques of my performance as I lost control of the discussions.

And then there were those parts about developing trust, turning a group into a team, developing my team members, and learning to navigate organizational politics. I learned those things the hard way, complete with mistakes and misfires.

At some point a few years down the road when I became a manager of managers, I vowed to never repeat that sink-or-swim approach on my watch. That’s the promise.

Delivering Essential Help to First-Time Managers at Scale:

I kept that promise through almost two decades of executive management work and dozens of new managers.

Now, I’m keeping this promise at scale through my training, coaching, and online programs. I love the work, and I love that I’m catching so many people early in their managerial roles in my programs.

This work is part of my not-so-secret plan to help change the world one person at a time by supporting the development of effective managers and great emerging leaders. Of course, the right place to start is early in the process when individuals are apt to build great habits.

The Problems with Most Programs for New Managers:

There are plenty of courses, workshops, and seminars on managing and leading out there. Most are generic, bland events designed to put rears in seats with little concern for your ongoing development.

Most of the programs you’ll encounter aren’t developed and delivered by someone who lived the challenge and then invested two decades helping to get it right. They’re just products, not programs, or sustained learning experiences. They’re effectively one and done events with an incredibly short half-life.

Enter First-Time Manager Academy:

First-Time Manager Academy is a lot more than a product. It’s a sustained development program that takes you from the early-awkward phase of start-up to competence in pursuit of high-performance.

It’s also an online/on-demand program you can follow in sequence and then return to over and over again for the practical ideas and approaches for just about every challenging situation a new manager might encounter.

The videos, lessons, downloadable tools, and even the extensive 100-Day Checklist are all here to support your success as a new manager.

Yes, Even Managers of Managers Use this Program!

And, I’ll let you in on another secret. I have more than a few managers of managers in the program, gaining insights into how to better support their team members. That’s a great use of the academy!

You’ve Always Got Access to Me for Help:

Remember, part of my promise involves making certain you never have to sink-or-swim without a life-raft. I’m that life raft. I make myself available as part of this program, via a forum or direct email access for questions and coaching. There’s no time expiration on your access to me. And, there’s definitely no sinking or swimming approaches allowed here!

Your Resource for New Manager Success!

First-Time Manager Academy is your resource for success in this challenging new role. Whether you are a soon-to-be new manager or you’ve been in the role for awhile and want some help to get on-track, this is a great resource for you.

And yes, for you managers of managers who want some context and tools to support your cause, feel free to take advantage of the resources here!

Registration, Cost, Groups

The cost is $197. Our latest cohort for individuals is closing on 2/26 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. If you are reading this at a later date, drop me a note and ask to be added to the waitlist.

For groups, we have an “anytime” approach, and I’m happy to talk with you about group pricing…just drop me a note.

The Bottom-Line for Now:

The statistics on first-time manager failure are horrendous, with some surveys suggesting it’s north of 50% during the first year. It’s no fun to fail, and frankly, it’s not necessary. I’m here to help and the First-Time Manager Academy is ready to support your success!

Art's Signature