The Manager’s Playbook — Turning Accidental Managers into Confident Leaders

“A sign of a great manager is how many potential managers they create under them.” — John Maxwell

Every manager remembers their first time leading people — the excitement, the uncertainty, and the quiet panic of wondering, “Am I doing this right?”

In many organisations, new managers are promoted because they’re technically great — not because they’ve been trained to lead.

Then they’re left to figure it out.

No playbook. No framework. No real guidance.

That’s why so many managers spend years learning through trial and error — often repeating the mistakes of the managers who came before them.

The Management Gap

A recent survey by West Monroe found that:

• 42% of new managers developed their style simply by copying a previous boss.
• Nearly 50% of managers with 10+ years of experience have had fewer than 10 hours of formal training.
• 43% of first-year managers have had no training at all.

In many companies, some people make the step to being a people manager without really embracing the role.  They still attach their professional identity to their previous job. They still see themselves as a Salesperson first rather than a Sales Manager, an Engineer over a Construction Manager, an Accountant over a Finance Manager, a Tradesperson over a Factory manager etc. etc.

That lack of development comes at a cost: disengaged teams, poor communication, mis-hires, burnout, and politics that drain performance.

In short — many businesses are built on the backs of accidental managers. 

Being a successful manager involves a new set of working practices, habits, and behaviors.  You’ll only be motivated to make those changes if you want to be good at the job and see it as a core part of your professional identity.

To become a great manager, you’ll need to make it a core part of your work.

A Personal Reflection

When I was 22, I was suddenly thrust into a management role.

I was ambitious, hard-working, and completely unprepared.

The business grew fast, and while we achieved great results, I made plenty of mistakes along the way — mostly in the people and execution parts of the business.

Looking back, I wish I’d had a Manager’s Playbook — a simple guide to how things should be done, how to handle the tough moments, and how to lead with confidence.

Because being a manager isn’t just about getting work done through others — it’s about shaping careers, culture, and results. 

Three Key Focus Points of a Manager

1. The Results/Outcomes: you’re there to achieve results which couldn’t be achieved without you.
2. The Team/Group: you’re going to do this by optimizing how a group of people can work better together than they could individually.
3. The Individual/Bring out the Best: you’re guiding and supporting people to improve and work at their individual best.

The Power of a Manager’s Playbook

A Manager’s Playbook is exactly what it sounds like — a working document that outlines how managers in your business lead, manage, and coach their teams.

Think of it as a recipe for consistent leadership excellence.

It creates clarity. It prevents chaos.
And it gives new managers a place to start instead of starting from scratch.

What to Include in a Manager’s Playbook

Every playbook should include two sections: General (for all managers) and Role-Specific (for each department or function).

General Section (Universal for All Managers)

• Core Values and Amplifiers — your cultural foundation.
• Vision Statement, Purpose, and BHAG — the “why” behind the work.
• GROW Coaching Model — for structured performance conversations.
• Meeting Rhythms — daily huddles, weekly check-ins, and monthly reviews.
• Job Scorecard Template — clarity on roles, outcomes, and behaviours.
• Talent Assessment & Hiring Tools — scorecards, interview guides, and reference questions.
• Prioritisation Tools — Eisenhower Matrix, Time Bandit Busters, Quarterly Priorities.
• Scaling Up / Rockefeller Habits Execution Checklist.

Role-Specific Section (Tailored for Each Manager)

• Department KPIs and Scorecards (with leading and lagging indicators).
• Key Processes and Checklists.
• Manager’s Reporting Template.
• Team 1:1 Coaching Guide.
• Department Priorities and Rocks.

The goal is to create a repeatable system for management excellence — one that grows leaders faster, reduces errors, and strengthens culture.

Why It Works

A Manager’s Playbook helps organisations:

• Train and onboard new managers effectively.
• Reduce “people pain” — disengagement, politics, and turnover.
• Strengthen leadership alignment across teams.
• Free up senior leaders from constant re-teaching.

It also supports succession planning — developing future leaders who already know “this is how we do things here.”

Final Thought

Managers are the heartbeat of your organisation.

When they have the right tools, support, and clarity, everything improves — productivity, engagement, and culture.

The Manager’s Playbook isn’t just a document. It’s a leadership system that turns accidental managers into confident, capable leaders.

Want to build a Manager’s Playbook for your business?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

TED BONEL, SCALING UP PRACTITIONER – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Are you looking to scale your business and execute strategy with clarity and impact? I help CEOs and founders turn big ideas into real-world results, guiding small to mid-market companies through tailored strategic insights that drive growth.

My expertise lies in simplifying complexity – bridging high-level strategic frameworks with the practical realities of running a business. Unlike many consultants who focus solely on theory or execution, I specialise in both—translating strategy into actionable, transformative steps that deliver lasting results.

Want to build a Manager’s Playbook for your business?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

For over 20 years, Strategy & Execution has supported leaders and organisations in developing and executing winning strategies. We provide expert facilitation, executive education, and hands-on consulting to help businesses refine their strategic direction and implement it effectively.

Using proven methodologies like Scaling Up, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker, and more, we challenge conventional thinking and equip organisations with the tools to accelerate growth. Our approach is dynamic—combining deep business experience with practical execution. We don’t just advise; we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to make strategy happen.

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