Skill case: Increasing the effectiveness in junior staff

Situation:

At the bottom of a pyramid of strategic consultants there was a group of shy but brilliant young staff. These green consultants were potentially very profitable assets due to their low salaries, big brains and corporate branding - unfortunately they were not reaching their potential. In the presence of their powerful clients and authoritative managers they did not dare to say a word.

Intervention:

A special programme for 'Rising Stars' was developed and participants were nominated to join. The programme consisted of workshops on structuring your message, speaking out in meetings, facilitating workshops, demonstrating assertiveness and soliciting feedback.

Results:

As the target group started to recognize themselves as 'young stars needed by the business' as opposed to 'awkward spare capacity', they began to move into more challenging roles. The fact that they had intermittent skills training gave them not only an opportunity to learn, but also a space to share their experiences and gain mutual support. The combination of deepened skills, confidence and solidarity, have made a lasting impression on these young professionals and all who work with them.