Our collaboration with GP Strategies in creating this eight-month leadership program has produced significant results. The program was carefully planned in its design, focusing on organizational goals and personal growth, and has led to profound changes within our group. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections, the program hasn’t just shared knowledge but also prompted noticeable development, clearly seen in the substantial progress our 2023 cohort has made. It highlights how crucial exceptional learning design is in bringing about real change.
– Executive Program Sponsor
The client, a technology and consulting company, has partnered with GP Strategies to design, develop, and deliver its annual leadership development program since 2021. The program is designed to cultivate emerging top talent and open a path to senior leadership roles within the company. Each year, the program is tailored to match the required skill sets the organization anticipates needing.
Challenge
The client wanted the 2023 program to be a highly experiential, cohort-based journey with all-new experiences. The program aimed to enable the 46 participants to unlock their potential as authentic, empowered, and connected leaders operating in a fast-moving, ever-changing environment. The client’s team identified four primary goals for the 2023 leadership program.
- Enhance employee retention by recognizing, retaining, and fostering high-potential individuals
- Equip leaders with the essential skills that the organization will require in the future
- Create a diverse leadership pool
- Build a competitive and well-rounded workforce to unlock the company’s full potential and identify the next generation of leaders
Solution
In designing the 2023 leadership program, GP Strategies focused primarily on in-person events supported by virtual experiences. These experiences included regular peer-group coaching sessions, monthly speaker sessions, networking opportunities, virtual coaching sessions, and fireside discussions with senior leadership. The program has also traditionally included uniquely innovative experiences, which have become a hallmark of the program. Participants learned to expect the unexpected from the start when a “secret service agent” interrupted an introductory speech at the launch event and triggered a mission activity.
Other highlight events from the 2023 program include:
- ·Participants received an “Enigmagram”—a puzzle that, once solved, led them to a series of videos introducing them to the program
- ·The cohort participated in a live, interactive drama focused on the pillars of emotional intelligence
- ·Learners worked with actors to use theatrical techniques to build their presence as leaders
- ·The cohort learned dance choreography and participated in a public flash mob performance
Results
- 26% of participants from the 2023 cohort have been promoted since the completion of the program
- 54% of participants from the 2023 cohort have been flagged for promotion in 2024
- 52% of graduates of the program overall have received multiple promotions
The program is a testament to how brilliant and intelligent design can deliver abundant and profound results—the fluidity, sensitivity, and groundbreaking content were unparalleled and instrumental in enabling a first-class experience that has created brilliant leaders. The intelligence, thought, and consideration that went into every element of the program design ensured that our participants had an incredibly impactful and lasting experience. The difference in the participants from the launch to the finale was especially rewarding and profound and a true testament to the program’s impact. Our partnership with GP Strategies has reaped excellent rewards and leaves a lasting legacy for our business.
– Executive Program Sponsor
This program has been honored with a 2024 HCM Excellence Award by the Brandon Hall Group: Gold Award for Best Unique or Innovative Leadership Development Program.
