Management: Not Just a Title, but a Stance
Setting goals that truly engage, delegating without picking up the problem two days later, giving feedback without damaging the relationship… these skills aren’t improvised, they are learned. emlyon business school offers two complementary short programs to help achieve this, each tailored to a specific stage of the managerial journey.
You can’t just wing it as a manager
Becoming a manager means changing your identity. Yesterday an expert, today responsible for a team. This transition requires new skills, a new stance, and new reflexes. There’s no universal formula, but there are proven tools and practice.
This is exactly what two short programs at emlyon business school offer, both led by Ubaldo Della Guerra, a leadership and management specialist with over 20 years of experience, active in France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Succeeding in Your New Managerial Role: Building a Solid Foundation
Who is it for?
New managers or employees about to take on their first supervisory responsibilities. Those asking themselves: How should I position myself? How do I motivate without promising imaginary bonuses? How do I handle conflict methodically rather than over a quick coffee?
What the program teaches
The “Succeeding in Your New Managerial Role” program structures learning around four key areas:
- Understanding your role. The program starts with a basic but often overlooked truth: the manager’s role is not an extension of the expert role. Participants explore different management styles and identify their own.
- Learning the rules of the game. Truly listening, not just nodding while thinking about emails. Asking the right questions rather than providing all the answers. Communicating clearly. Deciding and taking responsibility.
- Motivating and managing daily. Setting clear goals. Understanding what drives each team member and adapting the approach accordingly.
- Handling difficult situations. Identifying the root causes of conflict. Applying the DESC method to resolve issues in a structured, constructive way.
Pedagogical Approach
The central idea: move from “doing” to “making others do,” without losing leadership or team cohesion. The program uses role-playing, simulations, and self-assessment at the beginning and end to measure real progress.
"I leave these three days with keys to help my team grow, and to analyze the psychology of my colleagues. It will allow me to take on my managerial role much more confidently."
— Marie-Cécile Clouet, program participant
Strengthening Your Managerial Stance: Mastering Critical Conversations
Who is it for?
Managers who already have the basics and want to go further. Those whose real challenge is no longer understanding their role, but maintaining it in high-stakes situations: saying no without triggering a crisis, giving feedback without demotivating, delegating without losing control.
What the program teaches
The “Strengthening Your Managerial Stance” program is built around a simple observation: a manager’s performance is determined by how well they manage their conversations and meetings.
Eight essential types of conversations are explored in depth:
- Setting clear, realistic, and engaging goals
- Explaining and persuading without losing your audience
- Involving the team and ensuring follow-up that delivers results
- Delegating by assigning empowering tasks, not just offloading work
- Re-motivating by identifying causes of disengagement before acting
- Saying no firmly yet diplomatically
- Giving sincere praise that truly resonates
- Giving feedback without turning the conversation into a showdown
"Management is about observing and understanding people before it’s about procedures." — Ubaldo Della Guerra, emlyon business school
Pedagogical Approach
Each conversation is analyzed from two perspectives: the manager’s and the employee’s. This dual approach helps anticipate reactions and adjust in real-time. Face-to-face simulations and peer exchanges form the core of the program, giving participants a toolkit they can use immediately.
Two Programs, One Coherent Path
These programs are independent, each offering standalone value. However, emlyon recommends taking them in order for those new to managerial roles. “Succeeding in Your New Managerial Role” builds the foundation; “Strengthening Your Managerial Stance” develops operational mastery for higher-stakes interpersonal situations.
The right time is now
Upcoming sessions:
- Succeeding in Your New Managerial Role: Lyon, May 11–13, 2026
- Strengthening Your Managerial Stance: Lyon, June 8–10, 2026