Problem
“I was concerned that while there was training available to support managers in performance managing their staff, there was no equivalent to support them in talent management.  Most managers are not people development specialists – they are IT managers, Finance managers or Branch managers.  They need a fast way of picking up and using the best talent thinking to make the most of the talent in their teams.”

Approach
“We selected T&P to design a pioneering new product that would turn line managers into talent managers because we liked their thinking, and the quality of tools they produce. Identifying & Nurturing Potential (or INT for short) is a workshop plus manager’s toolkit which helps our managers tackle 4 areas of talent management in their teams:

• Spotting different types of potential – not just one or two fast trackers
• Understanding differing talents – really using the strengths in their team
• Succession Planning at a local level – looking ahead rather than fire-fighting on people issues
• Self-driven development – getting people to be self-reliant in driving their own development

One great thing about the workshop is that it doesn’t over-theorise – instead people work on issues in their own team – and as such managers really engage with it.  And they have tools that they are keen to start using, back on the job.”

Results
“I think this programme is unique. I’ve seen many career workshops for individuals, talent/potential/development type workshops suitable for HR professionals, and workshops for senior managers who need to deal with complex structures and succession plans. This progamme is the only one I’m aware of that goes to the heart of the issues for team managers and leaders by providing them with just what they need; practical tools and techniques to build and sustain a highly successful and talented team.

The programme for me is already a huge success – I think it plays in exactly the right space – providing some clever thinking and practical tools that managers can use during the workshop as well as immediately afterwards. It’s a programme that changes behaviour.  Managers look at their teams differently and start to manage and lead people as individuals enabling them to get the best from every team member.”

Martin Hills, Leadership Development Manager,
Nationwide Building Society

3 months after the workshops, talent management skills at Nationwide have increased dramatically – with the 5 key indicators measured increasing by up to 57%!

Read our article on the work at Nationwide
Learn more about Identifying & Nurturing Potential