You Thought Leadership Was About Authority… It’s Actually About Clarity.
Great leaders don’t command from above—they connect from within. The STEP First Class Manager Program transforms managers into confident, compassionate decision-makers who drive real results without losing the human touch.
You'll walk away with the mindset, tools, and frameworks to lead with purpose—not pressure.
Less chaos. More clarity. Stronger teams.
Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about capacity.
Build confidence. Lead with clarity. Grow with compassion.
Newly promoted managers are often left navigating complex team dynamics, unclear expectations, and growing pressure—without the tools they need. That’s where the STEP First Class Manager program comes in.
This is more than just a leadership course. It’s a strategic growth journey grounded in practical tools, real-world application, and a human-centered approach. Built for busy, high-stakes environments, STEP equips managers to lead not by instinct, but by insight.
Whether you're guiding your first team or nurturing future successors, you’ll gain:
  • Clear frameworks to make confident decisions
  • Communication skills to build trust and motivate
  • Strategic thinking to connect daily actions to long-term goals
  • A renewed sense of purpose and personal leadership identity
Lead not with authority, but with alignment. Not with pressure, but with presence.
Join a cohort of growth-minded leaders who are choosing clarity over chaos—and building the future, one team at a time.
Why "STEP First Class Manager"?
Managing people isn't just about task delegation—it's about shaping culture, strategy, and results. Yet, most new managers feel lost: unsure how to set direction, hesitant in feedback, and overwhelmed by expectations.
This course is the remedy. We help you shift from surviving to thriving as a leader.
Built upon the STEPDEX® Development Matrix, the program strengthens four essential capabilities:
Strategy
Think beyond firefighting. Learn to align goals, set priorities, and think cross-functionally.
Technical
Know your numbers. Design KPIs, identify risks, and manage performance gaps.
Empower
Develop your people. Coach, motivate, and give clear feedback with kindness and structure.
People
Build a team culture. Hire wisely, assess strengths, and foster collaboration and trust.
From chaos to clarity. From task manager to team enabler. From insecurity to influence. This is not just leadership training—it's leadership transformation.
The best leaders aren't born. They're developed—step by step.
If you're responsible for people—but never had proper leadership training—this course fills that gap with real tools and human-centered learning.
You want to stop micromanaging and start empowering
You want to lead meetings that create action—not confusion
You want to set KPIs and coach without sounding robotic
You want to be a leader others trust, follow, and grow with
This Program Is Designed For:
First-time managers
Struggling with imposter syndrome or uncertainty
High-potential team leads
Who need structure before taking on bigger teams
SME department heads
Balancing execution with team dynamics
SME Entrepreneurs and founders
Building second-level leaders to scale the business
5 Transformational Modules Over 5 Days
1
Day 1 – Strategy Thinking for Execution
  • Learn how to translate company vision into departmental KPIs
  • Understand BSC (Balanced Scorecard), KRA (Key Result Areas), and KPI design
  • Practice "Discipline of Execution" techniques in meetings and follow-ups
  • Set SMARTEST goals that align people and performance
2
Day 2 – Technical Mastery for Risk & Results
  • Deep-dive into SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
  • Learn how to assess performance gaps using real department data
  • Identify and mitigate risks before they become fire drills
  • Practice control tools that turn data into decisions
3
Day 3 – Empowerment Through Coaching & Career Development
  • Discover how to match talent with growth opportunities
  • Use "Talent Compass" and development templates for guided delegation
  • Apply the KISS feedback model (Keep, Improve, Start, Stop) with empathy
  • Learn how to motivate without micromanaging
4
Day 4 – People Leadership & Team Culture
  • Interview and assess STAR talent effectively
  • Understand team personality types with visual tools
  • Address the 5 dysfunctions of a team and rebuild collaboration
  • Build happiness and trust as performance accelerators
5
Day 5 – Review, Reflection, and Change Mastery
  • Apply PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) to real ongoing projects
  • Use AAR (After Action Review) to build a learning culture
  • Share real-world applications through Gallery Walk presentations
  • Reflect on team growth with frameworks for continuous improvement
Joining the Alumni Manager Cohort
BONUS 1: Hands-on use of over 30+ tools, including KPI templates, feedback guides, team personality charts, and more.
BONUS 2: Join monthly Alumni Manager Cohort for continuous learning and sustainable success.
Practical and Engaging Learning
The STEP First Class Manager program isn't just theory. Our methodology emphasizes hands-on application, interactive workshops, and real-world case studies. You'll engage in dynamic discussions, apply new frameworks immediately, and receive personalized feedback. This active learning approach ensures you gain practical skills and confidence to lead effectively from day one.
Proven Effective Learning Methodology
Unlike traditional lectures, this program follows a 3-layered methodology:
Assignment
After each module, you'll complete real-world exercises tied to your actual business context. These are not theoretical. You'll immediately apply the tools to your team and projects.
Coaching
Every participant receives coaching support—through peer reviews, group reflection (Gallery Walk), and 1-on-1 consultation where needed. You won't just learn—you'll change.
Training
You'll attend highly structured, action-oriented classes, led by expert facilitators using engaging visuals, group discussion, and case-based learning. Built-in accountability helps you stay committed.
Real learning doesn’t live in a notebook — it comes alive through action, feedback, and reflection.
Participant Testimonials
"I used to chase tasks and feel like I was barely keeping up. Now I understand how to set structure and pace for my team."
— Zoe, Operations Manager
"I never knew feedback could be so empowering. KISS feedback helped me speak truth with care—and my team responded immediately."
— Kalvin, QA Manager
"Before, I lacked the confidence to lead. This program gave me tools, a mindset shift, and a renewed sense of purpose as a leader."
— Celine, Office Manager
"Now I delegate better, hold people accountable, and I even got promoted after implementing what I learned."
— Amir, Sales Lead
The most powerful part?
I finally feel like I'm not alone as a leader.
Finish Strong. Graduate With Credibility.
When you complete the program and pass the practical assessments, you don’t just walk away with knowledge — you walk away with recognition that matters.
Accredited STEP First Class Manager Certificate
Issued by HPI Solution, this personalized e-cert comes with a unique ID number you can proudly showcase on LinkedIn, CVs, or company evaluations. It’s your digital badge of growth.
Academic Certification
Earn the Professional Certificate of Managerial Excellence from the University Sains Malaysia (USM) Graduate Business School — a prestigious endorsement of your leadership capability.
These aren’t just attendance certificates. They reflect your commitment to becoming a thoughtful, results-driven, people-first leader.
"Your growth deserves to be recognized—by your company, your team, and yourself."
Upcoming Intake Details
One clear manager can uplift an entire team. One trained leader can shift the culture.
Program Dates
Offered 4-6x yearly (quarterly & in-demand sessions)
Locations
Kuala Lumpur Penang Johor
Cohort Size
15–20 participants for optimal learning
For Individuals and Companies
Open to corporate sponsorship & personal development
Program Investment
RM 6,328.00 per participant (All-inclusive)
All-inclusive fee covering:
5 full-day, high-impact learning sessions
Certified coaching and peer feedback
Learning toolkits, practical assignments & Gallery Walk reviews
Dual certification from HPI and USM Graduate Business School*
1-month post-program follow-up & implementation support
HRD Corp Claimable – Eligible under company training grants
Available in English and bilingual facilitation formats (EN/CH)

Early Bird & Duo-Seat Combos fill fast. Speak to us now to secure your seats and maximize value. Certification issued upon successful completion of assessments. Terms & Conditions apply.
© 2025 STEPDEX® Academy Powered by HPI Synergy PLT (LLP0035973-LGN). All rights reserved.
Menara Keck Seng, Suite 33-01, 203, Jln Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Email: hello@stepdex.my | Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Follow us: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | 小红书 (coming soon)