Why This Path Exists
After training over 300 managers across 83 facilities, I discovered something critical: having good information isn’t enough—the order matters, the connections matter, the structure matters.
Managers who learned systematically—foundational skills first, with explicit connections between concepts—succeeded faster than those who consumed more content in random order.
Great content deserves great structure. The best information delivered in the wrong order creates confusion. Good information structured systematically creates capability.
This learning path takes you through your first 90 days intentionally, building capabilities in the sequence that actually works.
The Three Core Capabilities (In Order)
Everything in this path builds on three foundational capabilities. The sequence isn’t arbitrary—each capability enables the next:
1 - Self-Management Under Pressure
Understanding your triggers, patterns, and natural leadership style so you can make conscious choices about how to respond. You can’t lead others effectively until you understand how you show up.2 - Communication Through Chaos
Establishing clear communication rhythms that convey critical information despite noise, time pressure, and diverse teams. Your self-awareness directly shapes your communication effectiveness.3 - Decision-Making at Operational Speed
Processing incomplete information and committing to action while maintaining flexibility to adjust. This capability depends on both self-awareness and clear communication.
Your Learning Journey
Article 1 of 9
Start Here: The Leadership Identity Shift
Understand the fundamental mindset shift from individual contributor to leader. This isn’t just a promotion—it’s a change in how you measure success and define your value.
📖 8 min read🎯 Early Management
Article 2 of 9
Your First Week as a Manager: What Actually Matters
Focus on the five priorities that matter most in week one. Learn what to tackle immediately and what can wait until you have more context.
📖 8 min read🎯 Early Management
Article 3 of 9
Identify your natural leadership tendencies, recognize when they serve you and when they don’t, and develop the flexibility to adapt your approach.
📖 12 min read🎯 Early Management
Article 4 of 9
Deepen your self-awareness toolkit with emotional intelligence frameworks, trigger recognition, and practical development planning.
📖 15 min read🎯 Early Management
📋 Complementary Tools
Article 5 of 9
How Self-Awareness Shapes Your Communication
Discover the critical connection between your internal state and external message. Learn why self-awareness isn’t just preparation for communication—it enables it.
📖 8 min read🎯 Early Management
Article 6 of 9
Master production-specific communication strategies for high-noise environments, diverse teams, and cross-functional coordination.
📖 15 min read🎯 Early Management
Article 7 of 9
Tactical techniques for ensuring your message gets through when environment, time pressure, and complexity work against you.
📖 8 min read🎯 Early Management
Article 8 of 9
Build reliable systems for information handoffs using the ESCORT framework. Prevent the communication gaps that derail operations.
📖 10 min read🎯 Early Management
Article 9 of 9
Master the frameworks for rapid operational decisions. Learn to distinguish reversible from irreversible choices and break free from decision paralysis.
📖 15 min read🎯 Early Management
📋 Complementary Tool
By the End of This Path, You’ll Have:
✓A clear understanding of your leadership style and triggers
✓Frameworks for communicating clearly under pressure
✓Confidence to make rapid operational decisions
✓Systems for shift handovers and team coordination
✓The foundation for advanced leadership skills
✓A completed identity shift from contributor to leader
What Comes After Your First 90 Days?
This foundation prepares you for more advanced learning paths:
Mastering Feedback Conversations – Build on your communication skills to deliver effective feedback
Advanced Decision-Making – Tackle high-impact, multi-stakeholder decisions
Strategic Delegation – Multiply your impact through systematic delegation
Each path assumes you’ve completed the foundational capabilities covered here. That’s the power of structured learning—advanced skills make more sense when you’ve built the foundation first.
Leadership Lessons | Making NEW leaders into GREAT leaders