According to the Chartered Management Institute, a staggering 82% of UK managers are what they call “accidental managers” people promoted into leadership roles without receiving any formal training in how to manage teams effectively.
Let’s be honest, managing people is no easy feat. There’s no universal rulebook, and every team member brings unique challenges and strengths to the table.
Despite this, many businesses still rely on managers to figure it out as they go developing leadership skills on the fly, often by trial and error, with your team in the middle of it all.
While there’s value in learning by doing, the risks of getting it wrong can be significant and expensive.
What’s at Stake Without Proper Management Training?
1. Employee Retention
Research shows that poor management is one of the leading reasons people leave their jobs. Around 40% of employees say a bad manager was the reason they quit and other studies suggest the real number may be even higher.
When good people leave, the cost goes beyond just recruitment:
- Time and resources spent hiring replacements
- Lost productivity during onboarding and ramp-up
- Valuable knowledge walking out the door
- Talent potentially joining a competitor
All of this puts your business continuity and competitive edge at risk.
2. Engagement and Performance
Managers have a massive influence on employee engagement. Gallup’s research indicates that up to 70% of the variance in team engagement can be traced back to the manager.
And the impact of training? A CMI and YouGov survey found that businesses investing in leadership development saw:
- A 23% increase in overall performance
- A 32% boost in employee engagement and productivity
Effective managers drive alignment, motivation, and results.
3. Legal and Compliance Risks
Untrained managers are more likely to make costly mistakes especially when it comes to employment law. Whether it’s recruitment, performance management, or dismissal, the legal implications of getting it wrong are serious.
And it’s not just the legal fees you’ll be dealing with brand reputation, employee morale, and internal culture can all take a hit too.
The Solution? Invest in Management Training
A robust management development programme doesn’t just reduce risk it adds value.
Training helps your managers:
- Gain recognition for their existing skills through certification
- Identify their blind spots and growth areas
- Benchmark themselves against modern leadership standards
- Build confidence in key areas like communication, coaching, delegation, and performance management
The result? A stronger, more capable leadership team equipped to inspire, retain, and grow talent across your business.
Key Takeaway
If you want to future-proof your business and improve performance, invest in your managers. When you give your leaders the tools they need to succeed, your entire organisation benefits—from reduced turnover to improved productivity and profitability.
Let’s Talk Management Training
We offer a proven, practical training programme that supports new and experienced managers in building core leadership skills. Get in touch to find out how we can help your team lead with confidence.