Leading Leaders: Performance Management and Metrics for Second-Line Managers

Transitioning from managing individual contributors to managing other managers requires a fundamental shift in how you measure and drive performance. You can no longer rely on direct oversight; instead, you must learn to lead through others by establishing clear, cascading metrics and robust accountability structures. This text-only course equips you with the strategic frameworks needed to design effective performance metrics, align organizational goals, and evaluate your team leaders. You will learn how to shift from tactical tracking to high-level strategic alignment, ensuring your managers are empowered to lead their own teams successfully. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental shift from first-line management to leading other managers. - Design balanced KPIs and modern OKRs that align team goals with organizational strategy. - Establish continuous feedback loops and coaching frameworks to develop your direct-report managers. - Evaluate manager performance objectively using qualitative and quantitative leadership metrics. - Foster a culture of psychological safety while maintaining high standards of accountability. The program begins with foundational definitions of second-line leadership, progressing through metric design, strategic goal-cascading, and practical coaching methodologies. You will read real-world scenarios and complete written exercises designed to refine your leadership evaluation techniques. This course is designed for newly promoted second-line managers, experienced leaders of managers, and HR professionals looking to modernize their performance management frameworks. No advanced prerequisites are required, though prior experience managing individual contributors is helpful. Start reading today to transform how you align, measure, and elevate your leadership team.