Dive Brief:
- A new survey of HR personnel at U.S. federal agencies revealed key differences in the training programs administered to new and experienced managers, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
- While 84% of respondents said that new managers at federal agencies were offered a training curriculum that included all four federally-mandated training topics, just 63% of their more experienced managers counterparts were administered training programs that included the mandatory topics. The four topics are mandated by the OPM and outlined in its Federal Supervisory and Managerial Frameworks.
- Aside from mandatory topics, OPM recommends that managerial training programs contain elements like Individual Development Plans (IDPs), which "improve organizational and individual accountability of training requirements," Mark D. Reinhold, associate director of employee services at OPM wrote in a statement announcing the results. However, under half (41%) of respondents to the OPM survey indicated that they require all supervisors to complete IDPs.
Dive Insight:
Like employers in the private sector, the U.S. government must reckon with skills gaps, even among high-performing management staff. A recent survey revealed almost 60% of managers have had no training at all that addresses the needs of their new responsibilities, and 44% of respondents admitted to being overwhelmed at work.
As market conditions continue to make hiring and retention a top priority for employers, skilled managers are mission-critical. Managers will need better training to meet their needs as well as the needs of their employees. Top talent will quickly jump ship rather than work for a bad manager. Millennials, in particular, are looking for a coach/mentor in their leaders, and they will move on to another opportunity to find one.
Soft skills like leadership and communication are key in developing solid managerial relationships. Top companies are prioritizing learning in these areas for both management and the rank and file.
