Leadership Development for First-Time and Frontline Managers

First-time and frontline managers are often the closest leaders to employee experience, performance, engagement, and execution — yet they are frequently the least equipped for the complexity of today’s workplace. As organizations face constant change, rising employee expectations, AI-enabled work, and continued pressure to retain talent, frontline leadership capability has become a business-critical priority. In this session, Dr. Marline C. Duroseau examines why traditional leadership development often misses the realities of first-time and frontline managers, and what organizations can do differently. Drawing on Brandon Hall Group research showing that 71% of organizations plan to increase their focus on developing leaders at all levels, particularly frontline and mid-level leaders, this session explores the capabilities managers need most, including communication, feedback, delegation, team engagement, difficult conversations, and change leadership. Attendees will leave with a clearer view of how to develop first-time and frontline managers as execution partners, culture carriers, and performance multipliers.