New ATD Study Highlights Gaps in Manager Training Despite High Demand

Most organizations currently offer a manager development program with the goal of improving manager performance, but more than 90 percent of organizations say a lack of time to participate in training is a challenge, according to new ATD research.

According to Manager Development: Driving Organizational Success, survey respondents indicated that it is very important that managers be proficient in communication, providing feedback, and performance management. Providing feedback was a significant area of focus in manager development training.

Of the 53 percent of survey respondents who indicated that their organizations offer post-training activities to managers, the most common form offered was access to a resource library on manager skills. This library might include articles, job aids, videos, and other tools to teach and reinforce skills.

Other key findings in the report include:

• The top goals of manager development programs are to improve performance by both the manager and the manager's direct reports.
  
  
• Organizations use various delivery methods and instructional techniques when training managers. High-performing organizations are especially likely to use pre- and post-training activities and bite-sized learning in manager training.
  
  
• Sixty-two percent of organizations use coaching or mentoring when training managers.

ATD surveyed 409 talent development professionals across a variety of industries to learn more about the goals and challenges of manager development, the topics and methods used in training managers, and how organizations continue to support manager development.