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Embracing change as an opportunity...

The challenge

The Workplace Ombudsman, a statutory agency responsible for compliance with Federal workplace relations law, was facing three challenges: becoming a new organisation — the Fair Work Ombudsman — from 1 July 2009; understanding and applying new legislation, giving its staff wider responsibilities; and merging with another Federal agency — the Workplace Authority. To strengthen its middle managers, it sought assistance from Global Learning to develop and launch an intensive team leader development program.

The process

The Workplace Ombudsman selected Global Learning to co-design and deliver a comprehensive leadership program. The program spanned a six-month period, involving multiple groups across all states and territories, with a blend of online and face-to-face workshops. Each group participated in a twelve-week program which focussed on an initial reflective period in which staff assessed their own and others' performance (via confidential 360° feedback surveys conducted online), an intensive experiential workshop in which learning challenges and creativity played a significant part, and in which new insights were developed and discussed, and in telephone coaching sessions. Blending online and face-to-face workshops, participants focused on three areas: building awareness and assessing their own performance and work style; working intensively with others in teams; and delivering concrete results in a workplace project. The twelve-week period culminated in a 'transition into the workplace' workshop, allowing participants to prepare confidently for the future.

A key component of the workshop — The Deep Dive Learning Lab — tested and built critical team and leadership capabilities. The Deep Dive immersed participants in short, intensive simulations of workplace challenges which developed critical team and leadership capabilities, reflecting new insights into neuroscience and brain-based leadership behaviours, recognising that in leadership and teams, emotional intelligence is as important as the rational, intellectual process.

The results

The program delivered significant productivity gains and long-term benefits to all 150 graduates, with more than 95% reporting that the skills learned during the program has improved their management and leadership skills. Key strategic organisational outcomes will be much more easily achieved through the engagement of middle managers in the program.

The feedback

"The facilitators and the program were exceptional. It is refreshing to attend training and feel as though you were treated as an adult for the entire program."

"This would have to be one of the better (if not the best) leadership development program I have undertaken — and I have done a few! I would highly recommend this to others..."

"I learned to embrace change as an opportunity and know that resistance is a normal reaction. [And] to share my ideas as there are people who are interested in what you have to say. Don't be deterred by the dominant personalities."

"The online workplace learning component kept me motivated and reminded me of the different tools that I could adopt in my daily work life."

"It provided excellent insights on what makes a 'good leader' from notable leaders. The interaction and contacts with other staff across Australia was invaluable."