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8-1 Brief: Leadership Development Initiatives
MBA 687
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In order to successfully implement the change management plan in the U.S.
branch of the Singaporean Software Solutions Company, it is necessary for the leaders to
play a proactive role. For ensuring that effective leadership development initiatives are
undertaken in the branch to improve employee engagement and address the high
employee turnover issue, a case study involving Campbell Soup Company has been
presented. The case of the successful business entity has been presented so that change
leaders in the U.S. branch can be created who can facilitate the necessary change.
Leadership Development Initiatives
A number of leadership development initiatives have been taken in Campbell that
can be taken in the U.S. branch. For instance, one of the fundamental initiatives revolves
around training. Ample training opportunities are provided for attracting as well as
retaining talented staff. As per the exit interview, the lack of training is one of the main
reasons for the high attrition of employees. So, there is an opportunity to focus on the
training and development of the members of the workforce so that they will be
encouraged to be a part of the organization.
Similarly, emphasis must also be laid on coaching, where senior leaders would
participate and extend support to the staff in diverse ways like attending training,
application of goal-setting activities, and adopting model behavior. Leaders must also
create an opportunity for trainees so that they can develop new skills, and they must be
praised for their efforts so that they would be motivated in the work setting. It can
positively impact employee engagement. Such leadership development initiatives can play
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an instrumental role in improving the retention of leaders since they will get an
opportunity to develop their leadership skills and have an ongoing learning experience.
Determination of manager competencies
A coach or mentor can play a critical role in an organizational setting to help the
subordinates accept change and actively participate in the transition process. According to
the self-evaluation activity that has been conducted by the leaders, they lack change
management skills. A coach can ensure that a suitable change management model has
been adopted, which can enable individuals in an organizational setting to gradually be a
part of the change. Some of the key skills, abilities, and knowledge of managers that
can aid the change management plan include effective communication, strategic thinking,
active listening, and vision. It is also necessary for managers to possess influential skills
so that the buy-in of others will be possible and they will be committed to the change
management process (Jammeh, 2020).
Recommendation of delivery methods
Several delivery methods can be used to communicate about the leadership
development initiatives. Formal delivery methods such as online webinars can be used to
engage with the members of the U.S. branch so that they can become better change
leaders. Similarly, classroom delivery methods, homework, and coaching can also be
adopted where the leaders would get an opportunity to learn and work on their skills in
the traditional setting and work on their skills be serve as effective change agents. In
addition to adopting formal training methods, informal training methods can also be
adopted, such as role-plays and watching videos. The blend of both formal and informal
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training will be critical to ensure that the leaders of the U.S. branch can have a holistic
learning experience and they can grow as effective leaders who can drive change. In
Campbell, a blended training approach is in place, which supports the comprehensive
growth of leaders. The delivery channels that have been chosen will play an instrumental
role in molding the behavior of the leaders (Olatunji et al., 2017). As per the exit
interviews, the lack of career opportunities and training are major reasons for employee
turnover. Leaders must broaden their insight into these areas so that the issue can be
addressed. Thus, diverse delivery methods can be used to support leaders of the U.S.
branch of Singaporean Software Solutions so that they can facilitate change and address
the existing issues relating to employee engagement and high attrition of the staff
members.
Justification of recommendations
The leadership development initiatives can play an important role in the U.S.
branch to prepare the employees for change since it will create an opportunity for the
leaders to act as change agents and assist the staff throughout the change process. The
leaders will use their learned skills to provide direction to the staff and obtain their buy-
in so that the change process can be successful. Leadership can influence organizational
success by enabling the growth of individuals and the entity, boosting organizational
performance, and providing a strategic direction. ad
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References
Jammeh, B. (2020). Leadership And Change Management: How To Develop Your
Influencing Skills. 10.13140/RG.2.2.22879.00161.
Olatunji, A. G., Ojelabi, A., Isiaq, A. A., Moshood, I., & Ewaoda, A. S. (2017).
Leadership training and delivery prospects of team leaders in Communication
Network Support Services Limited, Ilorin. Africa’s Public Service Delivery and
Performance Review, 5(1), 1-8.
