Leadership Boot Camp · Employee development coaching
I have an employee I want to promote, but they're not ready yet.
They're great at the job. Reliable, skilled, and they care. But when you picture them leading other people, running a meeting or owning a budget, you hesitate. And you're not sure whether to promote them anyway, wait, or look outside.
or email monika@thedawsongroupsc.com
They're not unready. They're untaught.
When owners tell me someone isn't ready, it usually comes down to the same few gaps:
- Great at the work, not yet great with people. They've never had to give feedback, hold someone accountable or handle conflict.
- Communication and leadership. They know what needs to happen but can't yet get a team to do it.
- The bigger business picture. How their work connects to costs, customers and the rest of the company.
- Organizing the work itself. Prioritizing, running a calendar, building a simple process instead of carrying it all in their head.
None of that is a character flaw. It's what happens when you promote people for being good at the job and nobody teaches them the next one. The good news: every one of those skills can be learned.
Getting it wrong is expensive. Gallup found companies pick the wrong person for a manager role 82% of the time, and managers account for at least 70% of the difference in how engaged their teams are.
Two ways to get them ready
Leadership Boot Camp
For someone about to supervise people, or who just started. Three days of the practical skills nobody taught them: giving direction, feedback, hard conversations and running a team, practiced with real situations from your workplace. Groups of 3 to 15. More about Boot Camp →
Employee development coaching with Monika
For someone who needs to grow into a bigger role over time. Monika MacDonald, our COO, sits at the desk with them and teaches them, hands-on, to be better at the job they have and ready for the next one: prioritizing, organizing their week, building processes, understanding the business, and the confidence to lead. At least 6 months, customized to their goals. Meet Monika →
Many owners combine the two: Boot Camp for the foundation, coaching to make it stick.
What I won't do
I won't tell you everyone can be a great manager. Some of your best people are happiest and most valuable doing the work, not leading it. If that's what we see, I'll tell you, and help you find another way to reward and keep them.
This is for you if…
- Your best performer is next in line to lead
- You promoted someone and they're struggling
- You keep doing the work you wanted to hand off
- You'd rather grow your own leaders than hire outside
Good to know
- Built around your workplace and your person. No canned programs.
- Monika's coaching is hands-on: side by side with your employee at their desk, or by video for clients farther away.
- Pricing is quoted after a free check-up.
Questions
Should I promote them now and train them after?
Sometimes. If the role can't wait, promote with a clear plan and support from day one. What fails is promoting someone and leaving them to figure it out alone.
Boot Camp or coaching?
Boot Camp gives someone the core people skills fast. Monika's coaching works side by side with them, at their desk, to build the organizing, business and leadership habits over months. We'll recommend one, the other or both on your free check-up.
What if they're never going to be a good manager?
Then we'll say so, kindly and early. A great individual contributor is worth keeping, and there are other ways to reward them than a title.
No forms. No pitch.
Tell me what's going on.
Text me, call me, or grab 30 minutes on my calendar. I usually reply within two hours during business hours.