Re-wiring leadership for a connected culture
A multi-million pound, two-year initiative demanded a robust and impactful solution. We partnered with BT Group to deliver a leadership development programme that transformed their managerial approach and drove significant cultural change.
The challenge
BT Group identified a need to implement leadership support for first and second-line managers. This initiative was driven by care survey results indicating a decline in employee sentiment and a recognition of historical underinvestment in managerial training. The program represented a significant investment, exceeding £3 million, and was executed over a two-year period.
Key requirements
BT required a scalable, impactful program that would rapidly improve managerial effectiveness, enhance employee engagement, and drive a positive shift in organisational culture. A comprehensive company-wide review was conducted to assess employee sentiment and identify key areas for improvement. The review revealed a decline in morale, engagement, and productivity relative to previous performance metrics.
Our solution
We developed a three-phase leadership development framework, comprising three consecutive three-day sessions, spaced three months apart. Each session focused on a distinct aspect of leadership development.
Our approach
The first phase focused on equipping managers with the essential tools and techniques necessary to enhance their operational effectiveness. The second phase explored team management, providing guidance on effective communication strategies to foster collaborative and productive teams. The final phase concentrated on developing core leadership competencies, including decision-making, delegation, and the ability to cultivate a positive work environment. This comprehensive approach was predicated on the understanding that managerial effectiveness directly influences employee morale and overall engagement.
To enhance peer support and collaborative learning, managers were organised into cohorts. Reinforcing the programme’s impact, inter-session coaching was provided. Furthermore, managers were assigned practical projects and goals, enabling them to apply their newly acquired skills directly in their day-to-day roles.
The impact
Following the programme’s implementation, a clear improvement in leader engagement was observed. This positive trend was reinforced by care survey results and feedback from team members across the organisation.
Consequently, productivity increased at all levels, with employees demonstrating enhanced collaboration and a heightened sense of job satisfaction.
Key outcomes
- Significant improvement in leader engagement was measured through increased participation and positive feedback in follow-up interviews.
- Measurable uplift in care survey results demonstrating a direct correlation between the programme’s implementation and improved employee sentiment.
- Increased productivity and efficiency were observed through improved project completion rates and reduced operational bottlenecks across all levels.
- Sustainable cultural shift demonstrated by a sustained improvement in workplace morale and a more positive, collaborative work environment.
- The programme’s success led to a clear return on the significant investment, with tangible improvements in key business metrics.
The leadership programme was a game-changer. Thanks to Justin’s expertise, we’ve built a stronger, more engaged workforce that is better equipped for the future.
Roddy, Director, BT Group