Growing future managers
The position
The client is a publishing company with operations internationally as well as in the UK. Everyone is under pressure to meet challenging deadlines and the market is constantly changing. The need to develop new markets and products is crucial to business growth. So they need leaders with strong interpersonal and commercial skills who are able to balance the need to achieve long term goals in an environment where short term deadlines are crucial.
As part of their talent management programme, they run a leadership programme each year for high potential senior managers. We have worked with them for the past five years to design and deliver the programme. Each year the programme changes and we are kept on our toes to ensure that the programme meets the changing needs of the business. The programme is actively sponsored by the Chief Executive and the board which really adds impetus and weight to the training
How did we tackle it?
We worked in partnership with the client and designed a four part programme which ran over six months. The programme culminates in a community based project in Brazil. There was a briefing session before the start and a follow-up day after the third module. 16 participants were in each group – some from mainland Europe and the US – each with a mentor to help them apply what they learnt.
Module one helped them review their development needs with a combination of 360° feedback, MBTI and practical exercises. The programme then focused on interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and deal with conflict. We used an exciting blend of psychometrics, drama, actor-based role play, and exercises.
Module two developed strategic and leadership skills, combining theory with practical exercises. The delegates also looked at organisation culture and change management with a view to applying the ideas back in the workplace.
Module three focused on project management and also prepared the delegates for their trip to Brazil.
What did it achieve?
- a unanimous plus for the participants: the programme has developed their management skills and self awareness
- improved leadership skills
- understanding of interpersonal skills
- improvements in business planning and project management
- real business improvements
- improved relationships between the board and senior managers
- long lasting relationships developed between the client and the NGO’s in Brazil
- a group of highly motivated and talented managers who have the capability to progress to a senior level within the business
Email Jill Pennington or phone 0117 315 5243
