Management in our workplaces: Three common management mistakes and how to help managers avoid them.

Managers have a huge impact on employee experience, engagement and performance, but even the best managers can get things wrong.

We'll look at what great management looks like in practice, why some common pitfalls occur, and how HR and people professionals can partner with managers to create more positive and productive workplace experiences.

Join us for an informal discussion and networking evening with our local HR community in and around Exeter. We'll be joined by Gail Bennett, who will bring her expertise and experience to help us explore three common management mistakes that can have a significant impact on people and organisations.

Having trained more than 3,000 managers, Gail has seen how the same challenges arise across different organisations. Together, we'll explore why these mistakes happen, how they affect teams and, importantly, what we can do to help managers get things right.

This isn't a formal masterclass or a one-way presentation. It's an opportunity to share experiences, bounce ideas around, learn from one another and have honest conversations about the realities of management in our workplaces.

Whether you're an HR professional, people manager or someone who supports managers in your organisation, we'd love you to join us.

Monday 7 December 2026

16:30-19:00

Quayside Distillery, Exeter

We'll welcome you with a drink and some festive snacks, giving you plenty of time to meet like-minded people, make new connections and enjoy some end-of-year networking.

What we'll explore:

No clear expectations: Why managers need to set clear expectations and how people professionals can help them do this.

No feedback: The importance of regular, constructive feedback in supporting performance, development and engagement.

Not saying thank you: How recognition and appreciation can make a real difference to motivation and team culture.

What you'll take away:

Practical ideas: Simple actions managers can use to improve how they lead their teams.

A People perspective: How we, as people professionals, can better equip and support managers.

Shared experiences: Learn from the challenges, successes and ideas of others in our local HR community.

New connections: Build relationships with like-minded people and grow your professional network.

Fresh confidence: Take away ideas and perspectives to put into practice in your own organisation.

Format

An informal, interactive discussion and networking session, with expert support from Gail Bennett.

Come along, bring your experiences and questions, and help us create an empowering space for our local people community to connect, learn and support one another.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Joining instructions

Guest speakers

Some events may include external speakers. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CIPD.

Joining instructions

You'll receive your joining instructions again before the event, along with a reminder shortly before the session starts.

Recording

Some sessions may be recorded so that they can be shared with members who are unable to attend live. If a session is being recorded, we'll let you know at the start of the event.

Accessibility and reasonable adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your participation, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Description supplied by the event organiser.