Implementing a Leadership Fundamentals Program to Enhance Frontline Capabilities in Retail and Distribution
The Brief
A major organisation in the health and beauty market, with a presence across retail stores, distribution centres, and digital health services, sought to strengthen its frontline leadership capabilities. With a diverse workforce across Australia, the company aimed to equip frontline People Leaders in Retail and Distribution with essential leadership skills, fostering collaboration and empowering leaders for sustainable growth.
Future Leadership partnered with the organisation to design and deliver the Leader Fundamentals program—a tailored initiative addressing the unique needs of dispersed frontline leaders through a hybrid learning model.
Improvement in Performance
Studies show that executives who receive coaching report a 70% improvement in work performance, according to the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Lower Turnover Rate
Organisations with effective leadership development programs have a 30% lower turnover rate among employees, as leadership development fosters employee engagement and loyalty.
Reference: Harvard Business Review, "The Impact of Leadership Development on Employee Engagement" (2017)
Companies report Enhanced Leadership Skills
85% of companies report an improvement in leadership capabilities as a direct result of implementing leadership development programs, leading to better decision-making and team management.
Reference: Deloitte, "Global Human Capital Trends" (2019)
Higher Return on Investment (ROI)
Leadership development programs yield an average return on investment (ROI) of 6 times the cost of the program, reflecting the significant value they add to the organization.
Reference: Korn Ferry, "The Real ROI of Leadership Development" (2018)
The Process
Future Leadership structured the Leader Fundamentals program to support leaders’ development journeys through a blended approach, including:
- Personal Profile Assessments: Initial assessments to help participants understand their strengths and identify areas for growth.
- In-Person Workshops: Facilitated sessions to introduce core leadership concepts and build team rapport.
- Virtual Learning Labs: Interactive online sessions to reinforce in-person learnings and encourage cross-functional collaboration.
- Coaching Circles: Peer-led sessions where participants discussed challenges, shared insights, and supported one another.
- Digital Skill Boost Toolkits: On-demand resources designed to reinforce skills relevant to day-to-day leadership tasks.
The program was delivered in cohorts of 18 participants, focusing on critical leadership themes such as:
- Understanding Strengths & Growth Mindset
- Confident Communication & Coaching
- Mastering Critical Conversations & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Navigating Competing Demands & Building Resilience
With seven cohorts planned, Future Leadership provided a consolidated report on the pilot cohort’s outcomes to inform ongoing program development.
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 led to significant improvements in participants’ leadership capabilities and confidence. Key outcomes included:
- Enhanced Self-Awareness: Participants reported increased self-awareness, helping them recognise personal strengths and areas for development.
- Improved Communication Skills: Participants gained practical tools for managing relationships and engaging in critical conversations.
- Increased Role Clarity and Confidence: The program helped participants clarify their roles, boosting motivation and confidence in their leadership.
- Positive Feedback and Engagement: Participants highly valued the program, finding it supportive and practical for real-world leadership challenges.
Future Leadership facilitators observed notable growth in participants’ confidence and self-management, demonstrating the program’s success in preparing frontline leaders for their roles.
Client Testimonial:
Have enjoyed this training and have taken away a lot of knowledge that I would not have received anywhere else. Great to hear there are other people going through the same sort of situation and that we really are not alone. Thank you for the time we spent together and for all the wonderful knowledge that you shared with us all.”
