Why Managers Need to Know How to Train People in 2026

As we move into 2026, the workplace is changing faster than ever. Managers are being asked to support development, improve performance, handle complex conversations and help people grow — all while keeping teams motivated and productive. More than ever, managers need to know how to train people effectively.

Training isn’t just about teaching a topic. It’s about helping people understand what good looks like, building confidence through practice and ensuring learning transfers back into the workplace.

For managers who want to deliver clear, structured and confident training, an ILM-accredited Train the Trainer course provides a simple and effective framework.

Many managers want to train effectively but have never been shown a simple structure for planning and delivering sessions. A practical Train the Trainer course gives managers the tools and confidence they need.

Why Managers Need Training Skills

Good managers don’t just supervise; they develop people. They help team members improve their skills, understand expectations and work to a higher standard. When managers don’t have training skills, development becomes inconsistent, unclear or forgotten.

• Training builds confidence. When people understand expectations and have practised the skills, they feel more confident in their role.
• Training improves performance. Clear instruction and structured sessions help people meet standards and work more effectively.
• Training reduces stress for managers. When people know what good looks like, managers spend less time correcting mistakes and more time supporting growth.

The Problem: Most Managers Are Never Shown How to Train

Managers are often promoted because they are good at their job — not because they know how to train people. Without proper guidance, many managers rely on telling rather than teaching. They talk through tasks instead of demonstrating them. They overwhelm people with information instead of building skills in simple, structured steps.

This leads to misunderstandings, poor performance and frustration on both sides.

Why 2026 Makes This Even More Important

The expectations placed on managers continue to grow. Hybrid working, increased workloads and constant organisational change mean that people need clear, practical training more than ever.

Teams want clarity. They want to understand what good looks like. They want meaningful development, not just instructions.

Managers who develop training skills will be able to support their team more effectively, reduce performance issues and create a culture where learning and development actually work.

How Managers Can Start Training More Effectively

• Break skills down into simple steps. People learn best when information is clear and manageable.
• Demonstrate what good looks like. Show, don’t just tell.
• Let people practise. Practice builds confidence and reduces errors.
• Check understanding. Good training is interactive — managers should ask questions and encourage discussion.
• Give feedback. Supportive and clear feedback helps learning stick.

Building a Stronger Development Culture

When managers understand how to train people properly, development becomes part of everyday work — not just something scheduled once a year. Teams grow faster, performance improves and managers feel more confident in their role.

If you want your managers to deliver confident, engaging training sessions, explore our ILM-accredited Train the Trainer programmes designed for workplace trainers and leaders.