Overview
Leadership development programmes are a core staple for most organisations. At Openside we believe the success of such programmes in enabling progression and the recruitment and retention of the best talent depends very much on context. Our New Manager, Future Stars Programme, addresses the unique behavioural and skill requirements of leadership in professional and business services. More importantly we aim to change the perception of leadership programmes only being offered as a reward for technical proficiency or long service. Leadership development should be seen as a career choice offered on merit, with a structured developmental pathway mapped out from day one, giving a clear sense of purpose and contribution towards future success. Organisations who spot and nurture talent for leadership early will be the most successful in recruitment, retention and development of purpose driven leaders.
A combination of personalised coaching and mentoring helps high potentials learn about the behavioural and psychological aspects of leadership. The programme addresses typical challenges upon promotion, such as ‘imposter syndrome’, managing former peers, managing upwards, as well as managing outside more traditional organisational and operational boundaries. It takes participants through a deeper understanding of self-awareness and the motivation of others, when dealing with challenging situations. More importantly how to use briefing, listening, questioning and monitoring consistently when dealing with conflict resolution and in communicating with authenticity. Developing their role as a coach and mentor as well as business leader.
This programme is designed for managers in professional services firms who are transitioning from a primarily technical role into one that requires greater leadership, visibility, and commercial responsibility.
It is particularly valuable for managers who:
- Have been promoted based on technical expertise but now need stronger leadership and people-management capabilities
- Are responsible for managing teams while continuing to deliver client work
- Need to develop their confidence and credibility with partners, peers, and clients
Are beginning to contribute to business development and client growth
Clients choose this programme because it prepares managers for the complex transition into leadership roles. It develops practical leadership and people-management skills, strengthens client credibility, and builds commercial awareness, enabling managers to lead teams effectively, deepen client relationships, and contribute to business growth.
“A very good introduction to the manager “mindset”. Helps new managers to think through academic frameworks.”
Management Consulting
Manager
Account Teams, Sales Professionals, R&D, Technical Experts, Product Development, Design Thinkers, Technical Support, Product Specialists, Pre-sales Consultants, Sales, Business Development, Supply Chain Specialists, Solution Architects, Client Support, Account Managers, Business Transformation Teams, Internal Consulting Teams, Policy-makers, Strategists, Advisors, New Entrant, Analyst, Consultant, Manager.
- Face-to-face
- Virtual
- Webinar
Learning impact
During the programme, participants learn to:
- Develop the leadership behaviours and people-management skills needed to lead teams effectively and model the firm’s cultural standards.
- Support and develop junior colleagues while managing performance constructively and confidently.
- Delegate effectively, manage upwards, and use practical tools to plan and deliver high-quality client work.
- Represent the firm as a credible ambassador, strengthening client relationships and navigating critical client conversations.
- Identify and create new opportunities by articulating a clear point of view and presenting a compelling value proposition.
Find out how the New Manager Future Stars programme can develop your high-potential leaders’ skills and behaviours.
Programme Stats
1,976
Middle Management and Juniors have attended our New Manager Future Stars programme
100%
Recommended for colleagues in Accounting in the UK, EMEA and LATAM regions
5 out of 5
Content, Facilitator effectiveness and Relevance to role
Hear from a Programme Leader
“Participants should attend to develop the core skills and personal insights to assess situations and make informed decisions, communicating these with confidence and authenticity. Listening and having the ability to coach, mentor, advise and persuade others are some of the hallmarks of great leadership that we address in the programme. It’s generally about representing the firm, being the face of the business and making the right choices in difficult situations and when dealing with ambiguity. It’s about creating the space and an environment that allows others to be their best in delivering outstanding results for clients, colleagues and the firm.” – Ian Bradley, Programme Leader
Client stories
“Great – was good to have some time to think about how we manage people and relationships both within our company and with clients.”
Professional Services
People Manager
Plot your own pathway with our Talent Development Pathway Tool
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