Case Studies

Leadership Development

As part of a five-year succession planning strategy, a CEO engaged Executive Management Systems for leadership development. A key strategy he chose early-on was "leadership development for the many, not for the few."

Fifteen half-day sessions over a year’s time provided engaging leadership training for top management and middle management. This intensive program included highly interactive team sessions and online reinforcement of leadership principles between sessions. Participants first saw the new skills, then practiced the new skills, and most importantly, then applied the new skills.

Results:

Sixty-four key business leaders participated in the leadership development program. The program was such a success that it was repeated the following year with 36 participants.

"This approach to leadership development is a nice, concise package. It has helped me to understand that I’m not alone. Others are facing the same leadership challenges I am."

"I learned that there are multiple ways to lead. I am much more effective when I engage individual team members by their passion and intent."

"I have been personally challenged to lead by example. Project ownership is something I always did. Problem ownership I never did. I lacked awareness of how much control I had over things that did not go well. This leadership development program puts it back on my own shoulders. I now will take responsibility and ownership of problems."

"The effective delegation session really opened my eyes. I’ve always been ‘good’ at delegation, but I’ve always been bit by reverse delegation."

"One key result I’ve noticed is that I now have more effective team involvement – in both project work as well as in general discussion. I’m using improved communication methods, instilling ownership, asking the right questions. In every discussion and communication, I’m thinking in advance – with everything that happens."

"I have new leadership awareness. I’m considering new ideas, thinking differently. I’m always learning something new. This is big."

"My personal awareness – of how I’m communicating – has increased immensely. My personal planning of communications is much improved. Conversation always goes better when I apply these leadership skills."

"This learning experience really opens up personal communication. The leadership skills I now apply create a more open environment with my team."

"Mel Nelson is very gifted at leading these sessions. Whatever anyone says is tied into the topic of discussion."