Case Study - Senior Managers Programme

The need

The client required an engaging, informative and largely practical development programme for key talented middle managers to increase their leadership and people management capabilities. A previous programme had been running led by a business school. The client wanted something pragmatic, utilising a strong theory base, yet concentrating on expanding individual thinking and workplace delivery. The organisation wanted a consultancy which could quickly understand the business and participants needs, without needing to spend enormous amounts of time in the business.

The organisation had already decided that to meet their business need and the cost of travel, they would like a week long residential programme which would have a big impact - and maintain a high pace and mix of methodologies to ensure constant engagement, involvement and learning.

The intention was to enable managers who were often skilled technicians to build their capabilities in leading and managing others, to have meaningful and challenging conversations and role model productive behaviours.

Intended for

The participants were dispersed throughout the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and comprised a mix of nationalities and job functions, ranging from technical specialists with only one or two direct reports to those leading larger teams. Usually the majority of the participants would be working in a second language with most parts of the region represented.

The participants were likely to have covered all the basics at some point. The design needed to acknowledge this and the 'seen it before' attitude that may bring. The intention was to increase the participants' awareness and their skills in areas which they can immediately use focusing on how they lead - as well as building their on-going capabilities in inspiring and working across boundaries with others.

Result

Cfa have now been leading these programmes for four years having received excellent feedback and results in the business. The programmes adapt their content to current thinking and organisational initiatives and do not stand still, however the ethos remains consistent - developing managers who are capable of inspiring and drawing the best from themselves and others to contribute to a flourishing business. Past participants maintain links with their colleagues to aid on-going problem solving and learning, whilst the talent pool created has led to some significant promotions.

Event schedule below.

Advanced Management Development Programme - November 2008