Customised Leadership Development Program Uplifts Operations and Supply Capabilities at Australia’s Largest Convenience Retailer
The Brief
Facing a significant crisis combined with the need for organisational transformation, a leading convenience retailer in Australia identified a critical need to uplift the capabilities of its Supply & Operations function.
The specific capabilities that needed enhancement included responsiveness to stakeholder needs, quality of communication with stakeholders, proactive issue management, and ensuring the team consistently demonstrated the organisation’s values.
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 partnered with the retailer to design a customised, six-month learning and development program targeting these specific capabilities. The program was delivered through a series of six facilitated learning modules, structured around Future Leadership’s “Development for One” philosophy, which focuses on tailoring development to each participant’s unique strengths and areas for growth.
Key components of the program included:
- Diagnostic Measures:
Participants completed diagnostic tools, including motives and values assessments, and team diagnostics, to gain insights into their personal and team dynamics. - Group-Based Learning Activities:
Monthly group-based learning activities were conducted, interspersed with milestone coaching sessions to establish accountability for change, measure individual progress, and enhance the return on investment for the client. - Comprehensive Development Plans:
At the completion of the program, each participant had a tailored and comprehensive development plan, which was integrated with Performance Review discussions, with input and support from their Line Managers. - Graduation Ceremony:
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony facilitated by Future Leadership, where participants shared their individual learnings and highlights from the experience, and were acknowledged for their participation and success.
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 delivered significant shifts in participant capabilities:
- 88.33% reported improved self-awareness, including insights into personality, motives, strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
- 70.83% reported an improved ability to understand peers and stakeholders.
- There was a 20% uplift in the usage and understanding of influencing and facilitation skills.
These results have strengthened the Supply & Operations function’s ability to meet the challenges of organisational transformation, positioning the team for continued success in the fast-paced retail environment.
