The Overlooked Role of Team Culture in Small Business Profitability

Managing people for the first time can be exciting, but it can also feel like a steep learning curve.

You may have been promoted because you were excellent at your job but being good at your job and managing people are two very different things. Suddenly you’re responsible for other people, having conversations you’ve never had before and dealing with situations that can leave you wondering if you’re ‘doing it the right way’.

I’m Deborah, a Leadership Coach and HR Consultant. I provide practical, 1:1 coaching for new and first time managers who want to build their confidence, develop their management style and feel more comfortable handling the challenges that come with managing people.

With over 20 years experience of working in HR, I’ve spent many years supporting managers and organisations, helping them navigate the people challenges that come with managing others. I’ve seen first hand how daunting those early months in management can be, particularly when you’re managing people who were peers, dealing with performance issues or having difficult conversations for the first time.

1:1 coaching with me can help with:

• finding your feet in your first management role and building confidence in your ability to manage people
• managing former peers and establishing appropriate boundaries
• having difficult or uncomfortable conversations
• managing performance and accountability
• delegating effectively rather than trying to do everything yourself
• communicating with different personalities and management styles
• dealing with conflict and challenging behaviour
• developing a management style that feels authentic to you
• navigating situations where you’re not sure what the “right” thing to do is.

My coaching is supportive, confidential and practical. I don’t believe you need to have all the answers before you become a manager, and I don’t believe there’s one perfect way to manage people.

Instead, coaching gives you the space to step back from the situation, think things through and look at what’s really going on. Together, we’ll explore your options, challenge your thinking where helpful and work out what you want to do next. The aim isn’t simply to talk about the problem; it’s to help you leave the session with greater clarity, confidence and a practical way forward of how you manage people.

I work with people at different stages of their leadership journey, but I have a particular interest in supporting new and first time managers because I know how valuable the right support can be when you’re finding your feet.

Whether you’re struggling with a particular situation or simply want some space to develop your confidence and continue to grow as a manager, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

If you’ve recently stepped into management and you’re wondering what to do next, I’d love to hear from you.