How do we translate the unique essence of a firm into a leadership skills programme?
Newcastle-based independent chartered accountancy and business advisory firm UNW has built its strong reputation for expertise alongside an established guiding principle to do things differently and be ‘unlike others’.
When it came to developing a leadership programme to invest in its people, this demanded something unique that could translate the essence of the firm into the skills needed to be the leaders of tomorrow.
As HR Manager at UNW, Kasia Durma was tasked with seeking out a solution and engaged talent business, Talentheads to design and deliver the programme.
Here, Laura Barker, Head of Talent Development at Talentheads, chats to her about the approach they took and how it is going so far.
Q: What were your key priorities when looking to create this new approach to leadership development, Kasia?
A: We wanted to create something unique that celebrated the differences within our firm and played to everyone’s strengths. We already offer fantastic technical training across the firm but wanted to ensure that we prioritised human skills equally. We knew that for a leadership programme to have real impact we had to create something bespoke to the personality of UNW.
The goal was to be creative in our approach, whilst being guided by the determination to genuinely invest in the brilliant people we have here at UNW. The programme needed to encourage and facilitate their growth as individuals, while building a learning culture of continuous improvement for the whole firm.
Q: What got you started?
A: We knew we wanted to engage with a partner who had true expertise and knowledge in this field as this was such a huge priority for the firm. We wanted to get some help to make it as impactful as possible for our people. I therefore spoke to a number of different training providers, but quickly found that they were looking to impose their way of doing things on us. I respected their experience but wanted something that would feel unique and reflect what makes us so different. Our people deserve better than something ‘off the shelf’.
That’s when we came across Talentheads. From my first meeting with you I could feel that this business wasn’t afraid to break the mold either. Your approach was so refreshing and I quickly felt excited about what we could achieve together. There was a genuine ‘blank canvas’ approach, with an openness to all ideas and never basing the programme on what worked elsewhere alone. We have been guided by the voices of the people at UNW; their objectives, ambitions and challenges. You and your team now really do work as if you are our Internal Talent Development function. We are true partners and you understand what the firm stands for, embracing this in all that you design and deliver for us.
Q: How is the programme going now from your perspective?
I’m really proud that our ‘Take the Lead’ programme is now fully established with participation from our qualified team members right up to partner level, especially as we have seen 90% uptake of those who were eligible. Talentheads are using a combination of development and coaching approaches to ensure a truly active approach to learning that is personalised to each individual.
Although there was sometimes a temptation to stick within our comfort zone, we kept our focus on the outcomes that we aspired to, putting our people first. We are already seeing real impact and getting great feedback. I’m excited for the positive transformation this can bring for our people as well as us as a firm. I know talent development is crucial to the continued success of UNW.