Steelcase Canada

Need:

Steelcase Canada was confronting global market forces that were redefining the office furniture industry. In addition to increased competition, customers were now in the driver’s seat, demanding faster delivery and top-notch service. Manufacturers had to meet these new performance and service expectations- or their competitors would. Steelcase Canada needed to boost the skills of its leaders to make them more effective in a fast-changing industry.

Solution:

Steelcase partnered with DDI to create a leadership competency profile that aligned with the company’s new business strategies. Through the use of DDI assessment centers, the strengths and development opportunities of more than 100 leaders were evaluated, and individual development plans were created. DDI then designed and delivered a comprehensive leadership development program, which included 11 modules from DDI’s Interaction Management ®: Tactics and Strategies for Effective Leadershi p ®, as well as training in Targeted Selection ®, DDI’s behavior-based interviewing system. Finally, all leaders received ongoing development support through OPAL®, DDI’s online day-to-day performance and professional development resource.

Results:

Steelcase Canada understands its leadership strength against a new competency profile. It has developed more than 100 leaders who are now able to compete successfully in the new customer-focused industry environment. Leadership decisions are being made with confidence. And turnover has decreased from 8 percent to 4.4 percent in one year.