Situation
A world leader in welding and cutting processes and applications, this international company has been in business for more than 100 years. They retained PVG to help assess and develop operational leadership skills for a group of 25 plant managers and supervisors responsible for managing 400 union employees. This need resulted from a 7-month strike, causing tremendous challenges among the workforce.
Solution
PVG worked closely with plant managers and supervisors to provide group and individual training to help management:
- Understand their role as leaders in the organization, and how it differed from previous roles;
- Identify strengths and areas for development in 4 key competency areas related to effective management: influencing and directing; building relationships; problem solving/decision making; personal organization/time management;
- Learn and practice new skills for communicating with people at all levels of the organization; and
- Develop and implement an individual action plan to accelerate the transition and contribute greater value to the organization.
Impact
The plant managers and supervisors became more effective and accountable as leaders, which had a direct impact on the business, making it more efficient and profitable. Management gained tools, resources, and confidence to make sound decisions. Employees realized that what they do every day matters and has an impact on the business. They also learned that there are consequences for negative actions. By improving skills required for successful leadership such as communication, accountability, and follow up, the workplace culture actually improved.