Emerging leader development for a future-fit IFI
Our relationship with this IFI began with the commission to design and deliver a leadership development programme that would build a future-fit leadership culture. Throughout our rich and evolving relationship, we have had over 300 participants come through the programme – and that number continues to grow.
Why has this programme lasted so long? There are a number of different reasons, from the focus on individual and organisation transformation to the ongoing commitment of Directors and VPs. The network of alumni also makes a huge difference, acting as agents of change and advocates of the programme.
Focus
The programme has three clear objectives:
- To transform the individual participants’ ability to lead and bring about organisational change, regardless of the role they occupy and their position in the hierarchy.
- To enable the organisation’s strategy of client focus and growth.
- To build the future leadership pipeline of the organisation.
The organisation set these leaders the brief to challenge; to take a strategic, forward-looking, whole organisation view; to act as integrators and work through others; and to show leadership and influence without authority or positional power. They are encouraged to take the right decisions for the organisation rather than pursuing the interests of their function.
Action
The integrated programme design has a number of core components:
A strength of the programme is that it was designed to bring about both individual and organisational transformation. Committed and active involvement of Directors and VPs as sponsors is crucial, alongside the engagement of the participants’ managers in elements of the programme.
Impact
Since its introduction, over 300 leaders have taken part in this six-month programme. Cohorts have demonstrated, ‘live’ and ‘in the field’, what is really involved and needed for the organisation to have the relationships, mutual understanding, skills, alignment, and common purpose to deliver their ambitious strategy across the globe. Participants have been learning how to connect, understand, influence and engage others, and to execute on the organisation’s key objectives.
The programme has consistently received the highest ratings in all reviews and evaluations in terms of its quality and impact. Managers and Directors see it as a key tool in developing the effectiveness and potential of their people; and former participants report that it has been seminal in their maturation as effective, influential leaders in the organisation. The benefits of an activated leadership community are long-lasting too, with a rich alumni network acting as agents of change and advocates of the programme.
The programme is ever evolving, supporting participants as they develop their decision-making, judgement, and adapting to both the strategic priorities of the organisation and the requirements of its dynamic and demanding environment.
Find out more about the impactful work we do with IFIs, including further insights and case studies.
