Description

Post-COVID and with hybrid arrangement, the organisation noticed that the leadership team were not connecting as a group. From coordinator level to the executive, there was a realisation that more was needed to develop leadership skills and learning about each other.

Two solutions were designed: a leadership training program and a leadership forum.

Who

The initiatives targeted the executive and senior leadership teams but also involved all levels of leadership: the executive team, the managers, the coordinators and team leaders.

How

The first initiative implemented by the organisation was a leadership training program facilitated by an external provider. The second initiative was a leadership forum which was structured by an internal working group with feedback from the executive leadership group and through surveys

The executive and senior leadership teams set the example with strong involvement in the training program. They promoted participation to other leaders and reinforced that time should be set aside to learn.

The leadership forum was a platform for strengthening connection and sharing knowledge. There was always an agenda item for networking and activities which promoted group work.

Outcome

While there are costs associated with an external provider and time spent by staff involved in the programs, the feedback from the leaders has been positive. The opportunity to network during the forums is also highly rated.

With support from the upper management, there have been tangible improvements in leadership skills and collaboration. This has resulted in increased scores in pulse surveys and feedback forms.