More from Best Companies Live – what could work in your organisation?
High Speed Training
Carole Urey, CEO of the on-line training company talked about their 3-year strategy to connect colleagues with their ‘north star’ vision of certifying 4m learners by 2026, via:
– Leadership Connect event with 20 senior managers – what else do they need from the Board to empower them?
– Monthly Pulse meetings showcasing managers’ work, links to company goals, collaboration across teams, celebrate success, etc
– Coaching programmes for leaders
UK Power Networks
With safety and customer service such a priority for the organisation serving 8 million homes, Alex Sturge Head of Comms, Media and Engagement, stressed the equal importance of developing their managers.
The company hosts a day for 600 managers focused on employee engagement – 91% said it helps them become better managers.
Field staff don’t often speak up so their CEO annually goes to all depots at 0700 to suit their timetable, eat bacon rolls together & commits to 3 actions as agreed.
Each Monday morning CEO issues a video to keep the lines open.
For continuous improvement, the company funds the Institute of Management diploma. Families come to the graduation – especially proud moment for all since many haven’t had higher education.
Evolito Ltd
Chief People Officer of the e-aviation company Rachael Wallwork shared 3 initiatives:
1) Taking people to the wall
A colleague is invited by CEO Chris Harris to go with him to the wall – where Evolito’s values are displayed. The colleague is thanked for their exceptional effort – always prompting a very emotional response, often tears!
2) Walk in my Shoes
An hour’s walk & talk between different level colleagues. Work, family, hobbies, challenges, anything. Less confrontational than face to face, it has resulted in a massive increase in connection.
3) Spin the Wheel
To encourage people to come into the office on Fridays, a giant wheel is spun at 10am. Everyone gathers to find out the lunch-based reward eg the pizza for all or a group will go out for lunch.
4) Skip-level meetings
CEO meets monthly with 12 people of different levels – who can ask anything!
Costain Group PLC
After 25+ years in the defence sector, Sam White, MD of Natural Resources, was surprised in some similarities – strong sense of purpose, values-led, technically qualified people passionate about their roles.
Clarity is reinforced through simplicity by
– Unlocking potential of people
– Delivering best in class
– Securing the future
As an executive coach Sam believes “You can’t change people’s behaviours but in changing your own behaviour you can change the world”
Show people your workings, not just the decisions, which encourages trust. Making mistakes is fine. It’s human!
‘Miracle in the middle’ – Costain asked their mid-managers for values, not Board-led.
💡 More insights to follow…
