Here’s what I learned—and why tailored training is the key to getting it right.

Recruitment and Selection: Confidence is Key

One of the biggest challenges managers face is attracting the right candidates for their roles. I asked my attendees, “How confident do you feel about your recruitment and selection process?” A few nodded, but most looked uneasy.

What became clear is that many managers don’t have a robust recruitment strategy. They rely too much on instinct rather than a structured process. And that’s where they go wrong. If you’re not confident in your selection criteria, you risk hiring someone who simply doesn’t fit—or worse, can’t do the job. The takeaway? A structured, legally compliant recruitment process is non-negotiable.

Interviewing: What You Can and Can’t Ask

I threw out a few example interview questions to the group:

• “Do you have any children?”
• “How old are you?”
• “Are you planning to start a family?”

Some attendees cringed, others scribbled notes. These are all questions you can’t ask in an interview due to discrimination laws—but many managers don’t realise they’re crossing the line until it’s too late.

The best interviewers know how to get the information they need without breaking the law. That’s where bespoke training comes in—to ensure your managers are confident, compliant, and asking the right questions.

Performance Management: A Common Pitfall

“Hands up if you’ve ever avoided a difficult conversation with an underperforming team member.”

Nearly every hand in the room went up.

The truth is, most managers dread performance management. They either avoid it completely or rush through it without a proper strategy. The problem? Poor performance festers, and before you know it, you’ve got a disengaged team and a major HR issue on your hands.

One key takeaway from my session was that performance management isn’t about catching people out—it’s about developing them. When done right, it’s a positive experience that leads to growth, motivation, and improved results. But you need the tools and the confidence to do it effectively.

Disciplinary Action: Be Prepared

It’s easy to think, “That won’t happen in my team.” Until it does.

One of the most important things I emphasised was being proactive. When managers anticipate potential disciplinary issues and prepare accordingly, they handle them more effectively. That means documenting concerns early, having difficult conversations when necessary, and following due process.

I shared real-life examples (anonymized, of course) of what happens when managers take shortcuts—unfair dismissal claims, reputational damage, and even legal action. The message was clear: you don’t want to be caught off guard.

Employment Law: Staying Compliant

Employment legislation is constantly evolving, and staying compliant isn’t optional. The biggest lesson my attendees learned? What you don’t know CAN hurt you.

One manager admitted they had been making assumptions about flexible working requests without realising their legal obligations. Another had no idea that failing to make reasonable adjustments for a disabled employee could land their company in serious trouble.

That’s why training isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential.

Why Bespoke Training Matters

By the end of the session, I saw a transformation. The managers who had arrived feeling uncertain and overwhelmed were leaving with confidence, clarity, and actionable strategies.

But here’s the thing—off-the-shelf training wouldn’t have worked. Every company has unique challenges, and managers need training that reflects their reality. That’s where I come in.

With over 25 years of HR experience, I design bespoke training sessions that are practical, engaging, and tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s recruitment, interviewing, performance management, or staying compliant with employment law—I ensure your managers aren’t just informed, but empowered.

Are Your Managers Ready?

If you want to ensure your managers have the skills, confidence, and knowledge to lead effectively, let’s talk. I create training that works, because I’ve seen firsthand what happens when it doesn’t.

Don’t wait for problems to arise—get ahead of them. Contact me today, and let’s build a management training programme that sets your team up for success by clicking the "GET IN TOUCH!" button above for more information!