Challenge
A disability and life insurance provider needed to fill a gap in its leadership training. Specifically, the organization needed a development program that would teach key leadership skills to new managers transitioning into their roles while continuing to develop experienced managers.
The program was intended to provide frontline people managers with the skills needed to coach their teams, provide feedback, and delegate responsibility.
To accomplish this, the client identified five key learning objectives:
- Boost manager’s confidence by enhancing their skill set
- Invest in manager’s needs to make them feel valued
- Transition employees from individual contributors to management roles
- Help managers develop critical leadership skills such as effective communication and conflict resolution
- Tailor learning for managers at all stages of their career
Solution
GP Strategies created a nine-week leadership development program that covers critical topics such as coaching, change management, and delegation. The program is a blended learning solution that incorporates videos, articles, podcasts, and virtual instructor-led training. The learning content is accessible online through GP’s virtual Intrepid platform and has been broken into short, easily digestible units to facilitate anytime learning.
The program is also gamified and includes a leaderboard and point system to help engage learners. Interactive chat boards provide opportunities for participants to share ideas, experiences, and feedback. The curriculum also includes in-person activities such as role-playing, breakout discussions, and facilitated hands-on experiences to help managers practice what they’ve learned and gain further insights from leaders across the organization.
The program was so well-received that it was extended to all people managers throughout the organization and continues to be offered in four cohorts per year.
Results
- When participants were asked how likely they were to recommend the program, the average score ranged from 8.63 to 9.38 (1 being unlikely, 10 being very likely).
- Learners reported in surveys that, because of the program, they were better at listening to team members and more confident when delegating work, offering constructive criticism, and leading others through change.
- Participants reported that the level of peer connection, program pacing, self-reflection activities, and a leaderboard and gaming elements were particularly engaging.
This program has been honored with a 2024 HCM Excellence Gold Award for Best Development Program for Frontline Leaders by the Brandon Hall Group.
