April was a great month because we had the privilege and pleasure of attending a final celebration event at Darling Associates Architects. The event was the culmination of a comprehensive Leadership Development Programme we designed and delivered over the past 12 months to six senior individuals in the business.
Future-proofing the business
As part of an holistic initiative to future-proof the business, the bespoke Programme was designed to develop the next generation of leaders in leadership, management and business growth. Using a range of tools and techniques, the Programme focussed on strengthening individuals’:
- business and commercial acumen;
- understanding of strategic challenges and planning;
- soft skills, to better lead and manage their teams, workload, and priorities; and
- wider knowledge of the business, through cross-functional team working and knowledge- sharing.
As part of the Programme, the six individuals received one-to-one coaching sessions and worked throughout on strategic business projects to identify further key initiatives to drive the business forward. During the year, regular review sessions were held with the Senior Leadership Team to review progress and discuss unfolding themes.
The benefits?
This is only the start of the journey and we’re looking forward to seeing the results of the projects in due course. However, there have already been several significant benefits to the business and individuals as a result, including the six individuals reporting:
- a greater awareness of how the business can be strengthened;
- identification of new sectors / markets for business growth;
- a deeper understanding of how to win more profitable business and reduce commercial risk;
- a greater level of self-awareness, and how to lead and manage their teams more effectively; and
- improved ability in making better decisions.
Why is developing your people important?
People are our most valuable asset and they are the common denominator in every organisation – and can impact any business positively or negatively.
It’s also important to remember that when starting a career, professionals within the built environment, are technical by nature and have normally received years of technical training and development.
As part of their progression and career pathway in business, these same individuals are then expected to step into more senior roles with different responsibilities, for which they lack the relevant experience, knowledge and capabilities. At this time, understanding how to lead and manage projects, people and business growth effectively and efficiently are key requirements, so investment in your people before they are required to step-up, is crucial.
We’re aware that some small and medium enterprises are balance limited and competing resources and are conscious for the need to balance initiatives that provide greater in-house capability vs financial investment.
We offer a range of solutions which deliver excellent value – contact andi@clcpro.co.uk for more information