The last 10 months across IETG & 40Seven has seen 17 managers work through a multi-module Insights based development programme.
Led by Suzanne Shaw of Ascent Development, we have taken two cohorts of managers through the Insights into Leadership course. The programme was a mixture of group workshops, 1:1 sessions and self-directed learning all underpinned by personal feedback after using the Insights Discovery tool.
The initial stage of the programme was focused on Leading Yourself covering time management, assertiveness, confidence and influencing others. The teams then moved onto Leading Others – utilising The Liberating Leadership approach (the book of the same name is by Ali Stewart and Derek Biddle) – the principles of which include having the right mindset, skills and process.
Suzanne said “It’s been an incredible journey working with some amazing people over the last 10 months. One thing that is glaringly obvious is the passion that they have for the business and the people in it. It was really good to hear how the programme has helped them. The next key part is embedding the new skills and behaviours which many of them have already done around working more proactively with time management”.
One of the course participants commented “The mixed group of managers helped me personally as I found I could pick up further skills from listening and working with people who currently work at a higher level than myself. A very enjoyable and highly rewarding course that has improved my skill set.”
Ian Edwards (Managing Director) explained “one of our values is Happy People and it is key for us as a business to look at development opportunities for managers. This will ensure their behaviours can influence engagement levels across the business which will lead to improving performance. The programme was to give our managers some tools and insight into who they are, who their colleagues are and to appreciate there isn’t one easy solution to be a great manager. Suzanne has been a great facilitator throughout this process – providing high levels of support and engagement during the programme, and we are grateful for her support and insights over the last year”.
