Need:

In 2001, True Value Company, the nation’s leading retail hardware cooperative had been through a reorganization. This reorganization entailed a “flattening” of the organization after which frontline supervisors emerged with greater leadership responsibility for day-to-day operations. Many of these leaders were ready for their transformed roles, but others were not. By 2003, True Value began to understand that all of its more than 500 leaders—not just its frontline supervisors—could benefit from a strengthened leadership toolkit.

Solution:

True Value partnered with DDI to identify and/or confirm the competencies that define leadership success within the organization. The resulting competency model formed the basis of a targeted leadership development initiative that could be implemented across locations. With the competency model in place, True Value and DDI then partnered to design and launch a three-track leadership development program using high-impact half-day courses from DDI’s Interaction Management®: Exceptional Leaders . . . Extraordinary Results® leadership development system. Three “tracks” were created to target frontline leaders, experienced leaders in more senior roles, and leaders working in True Value’s distribution centers. 

Results:

Leaders at all organizational levels developed a toolkit of leadership skills that enable them to be more effective in their roles. The average participant rating for the courses was 4.2 (on a 5-point scale). In an employee attitude survey, supervisor effectiveness ratings improved 17.2-percent in one year. Senior management has noted an increase in productivity.