Developing Line Manager Capabilities in the FMCG Sector
The Organisation
Our client is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of yogurts and chilled desserts, employing around 5,000 people worldwide, of which 850 are based in the UK.
Operating in such a competitive marketplace means that the company is always seeking to introduce improvements that will help to retain their position as a brand leader. The skills of their employees are an intrinsic part of this strategy.
The Challenge
The Operations Director identified a need to provide their Front Line Managers with the appropriate skills and knowledge to enable them not just to manage, but to provide inspirational leadership to their teams. This would contribute to creating more motivated and effective teams that work together to identify and implement production improvements and efficiency savings.
Instep's Contribution
Working in partnership with the Senior Operations Team, we defined the required core competencies of a Front Line Manager (FLM). These were then converted into a number of measurable targets that could be monitored over the coming months.
With these measurable targets as a foundation, we then designed and delivered a six-module development programme to run over a 16 week period. Key features of the programme were the pre and post learning activities, the opportunity to practice key skills and, of particular importance, explaining how the FLMs’ future performance would be measured in the workplace and the support and feedback they would receive.
Results
To date four programmes have been delivered, with over 40 FLMs participating. As each programme culminates the participants undertake a presentation to the Senior Operations Team to provide evaluation on what changes they have implemented and the successes achieved.
Key features of all these presentations has been the ability of participants to give a wide range of real and practical examples of how they have improved as a line manager. These include a willingness to have difficult conversations; saying ‘no’ when it’s appropriate to do so; leading by example; and adapting their approach to get the best out of individuals.
With a new found confidence, all FLM’s now understand the positive influence they have on those who work with and for them, and the measurable outcomes have now become normal everyday practice.
What the Client Said...
“We have been delighted with the impact of this development programme. Line Managers are now more confident and competent to lead their teams effectively. They now have a greater understanding of the influence they have on the workplace and the resulting changes have had a significant positive impact on overall motivation, communication and productivity.”
Training Manager
