Building Capable Managers

Client:

Ministry for the Environment

Client need

When the Ministry for the Environment came to us for help building the capability of their managers, we worked with them to assess what they wanted to achieve and where they needed help. Working closely with the Ministry, we developed the Building Capable Managers Programme.

What we did

Over a 10 month period, all Ministry for the Environment managers went through a five module programme that included eight workshops and Action Learning groups. We set up a pre and post programme assessment of the participants’ behaviours so that MfE could better measure the effectiveness of the programme.

Results

At the end of the programme, those who had taken part showed signs of real improvement, especially in the way they engaged with their direct reports. The design of the programme and supporting materials means that the Ministry for the Environment can now continue to adapt, reprint, reuse and run sessions without relying on external facilitators.

What they said

Results strongly suggest that the approach to learning used in BCM was successful in bringing about behavioural change. This argument is particularly compelling given that all change was in the positive direction and BCM was based on the sound learning principles known to maximise the chance of long term change.

• The training took place over a long time period through a variety of channels.

• There was ample opportunity for discussion, practise and feedback.

• Learning took place in a safe environment which facilitated participation.

• There was an ongoing requirement for managers to practise skills back in the workplace, leading to the development of new habits.

• There was a realistic level of pressure on managers to change their behaviour through their directors, peers, the management skills assessment and the knowledge that the next learning session was not far away.

Primary links

Building Capable Managers

PORTFOLIO