Delivering an Executive Team Development Program
The Brief
Future Leadership was engaged by a national research organisation in Australia to deliver a Hogan 360° assessment program for its Executive Team. The organisation was undergoing major structural reform, grappling with budget constraints, and redefining its strategic priorities in response to evolving national science and innovation needs.
The Executive Team was tasked with leading enterprise-wide change, including site consolidation, research portfolio rationalisation, and cultural renewal. Leadership capability and alignment were critical to navigating this complexity, and the 360° assessment was designed to provide deep insight into individual and team strengths, development areas, and leadership impact.
Improvement in Performance
Studies show that executives who receive coaching report a 70% improvement in work performance, according to the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Increase in Employee Retention Rates
Companies that offer coaching and transition programs during restructuring or layoffs see a 60% increase in employee retention rates, as reported by the Human Capital Institute (HCI).
Faster Reemployment
Outplacement services and career transition coaching can reduce the time it takes for displaced employees to find new jobs by 50%, according to a study by RiseSmart.
Higher Return on Investment (ROI)
The ICF reports that companies receive an average return of A$11.85 for every dollar invested in executive coaching.
The Process
Future Leadership designed a tailored capability assessment program based on diagnostic insights and organisational priorities.
Key steps included:
- Discovery & Diagnostics: Engaged with the CEO and senior leaders to understand strategic context, leadership challenges, and desired outcomes.
- Program Co-Design: Developed a bespoke Hogan 360° assessment process, including rater nomination protocols, communication plans, and confidentiality safeguards.
- Delivery:
- 8 Executive Team members participated.
- 151 raters contributed feedback (94% completion rate).
- Individual debriefs were conducted with each participant.
- A group report was presented at a facilitated Executive Team workshop.
- Evaluation: Aggregated cohort insights were analysed to identify strengths, gaps, and implications for team functioning. Recommendations were made to support strategic alignment, accountability, and cultural leadership.
The Advisory team's impact across clients through survey feedback
32% Increase in Self Awareness
Individuals’ awareness of motives, values, strengths and development needs
21% Increase in Motivation
Individuals’ motivation to apply learning, insight and further develop
27% Increase in Confidence
Individuals’ confidence in their abilities and impact as a leader
30% Increase in Role Clarity
Individuals’ clarity around success factors associated with their role
The Outcome
The program achieved a high level of engagement and surfaced critical themes for leadership development:
Strengths: Integrity, professionalism, technical capability, and ethical standards were consistently rated highly across all rater groups.
Development Areas: Strategic vision, performance management, and assertiveness emerged as key opportunities for growth.
Impact: The assessment enabled the Executive Team to reflect on collective leadership, clarify expectations, and commit to targeted development actions. It also informed broader organisational reform efforts and leadership planning.
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the process in fostering self-awareness, team cohesion, and readiness for change.
The process was incredibly valuable. It gave me the opportunity to reflect deeply on my leadership style and how I’m perceived across the organisation. The feedback was honest and constructive, and the coaching helped me translate insights into action. I now feel more confident in how I lead, communicate, and hold others accountable.
