Leadership & Management

Coaching Skills for First-Time Managers

Help new managers move beyond giving answers. Build the listening, questioning, feedback and follow-up skills that support employee ownership and clearer performance conversations.

Discuss your new managers

In brief

This programme gives first-time managers a practical structure for short workplace coaching conversations. Participants learn when to coach, when to direct, how to ask useful questions and how to agree an action that is followed through.

Audience
New managers and supervisors
Method
Practice conversations and feedback
Format
In-house or live virtual
Location
Malaysia nationwide

Problems addressed

  • Managers solve every problem for the employee.
  • Feedback is delayed, vague or overly personal.
  • One-to-ones become status updates only.
  • Agreed actions are not revisited.

Practical outcomes

  • Choose appropriately between directing and coaching.
  • Listen for facts, assumptions and ownership.
  • Use questions that support thinking and action.
  • Close with a clear commitment and follow-up.
When coaching is not enoughMisconduct, safety issues, formal performance procedures or decisions outside the employee’s control require the appropriate management and HR process.

Representative modules

  • The manager’s role in development
  • Coach, direct, support or escalate
  • Listening and purposeful questions
  • Observation-based feedback
  • Goals, options and commitments
  • Follow-up and accountability

Facilitator relevance

Dr Harjit S. Sidhu is a Certified Business Coach under the American Union of NLP and certified in coaching and counselling through the International Metaphysical Practitioners Association. His programmes emphasise practical techniques and experiential learning.

Is this the same as counselling?

No. The programme focuses on workplace coaching within a manager’s role and clear referral boundaries.

Can managers practise real conversations?

Yes, using appropriately anonymised or designed scenarios.

Can this form part of a manager pathway?

Yes. It can combine with delegation, emotional intelligence, feedback and performance management.

Last reviewed: 11 September 2026Reviewed by Dr Harjit S. Sidhu, Principal Consultant

Give new managers a better conversation toolkit

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