Preparing Successors

Executive Leadership Program

The CEO of a large financial services corporation wanted to develop the top talent in his company, leaders who had been identified in a succession planning process. The CEO’s specific request was that his high potential leaders be ready to step into bigger executive roles within the corporation in an 18-24 month timeframe. When a Flynn Heath consultant interviewed him about the competencies needed for future leaders, the CEO was very clear. His corporation needed leaders who could drive change, influence others, develop strategy, articulate a vision, and build strategic relationships across business units.

Flynn Heath developed a 12 month Executive Leadership Program for 20 high performing leaders of state banks, staff divisions, and subsidiaries. The program included 10 one-day skills sessions, a 360° feedback process, coaching, a simulation, and mentoring from top executives in the corporation. One of the highlights of the program was a “candid conversation” with a special guest at each of the group sessions. The special guest was a top executive within the corporation or from a client company. In addition to learning from the special guests, the participants also formed strong alliances with each other across business units. At the last session each participant presented a “business improvement” to the CEO.

Impact

The Executive Leadership program was offered four times to a total of 80 leaders. As a result, 85% of the participants received substantial promotions, and took on bigger leadership roles within 6-18 months of completing the program.