CASE STUDY: FRANCE TELECOM
Wildcat One works with managers to lift individual and divisional performance.
Scenario
France Telecom had established a separate business division, OPW, for operating their voice and mobile networks outside France. OPW brought together a number of fragmented and disparate business units around the world, with two main locations in London and Washington DC.
The company's Head of Global Operations was keen to improve standards of ownership and leadership within his senior management team and revitalise the organisation.
Wildcat One was commissioned to work with senior, then middle managers, to help lift individual and divisional performance.
Approach
Working with Head of Global Operations and key managers, Wildcat One developed a set of management competences considered imperative for the future success of the organisation. We then undertook a 360 degree feedback exercise against these competencies, resulting in comprehensive individual reports for each member of the senior team.
An intensive three day leadership programme for the senior management team was developed. Using psychometric assessment and the 360 degree feedback, we explored their management styles and how these influenced the perceptions of others. This served as a foundation for building greater self-awareness, communication skills and formed the basis on which to build the skills of leading change. Managers were also coached in models of leadership and the implications of cross cultural/international working (USA/Europe/Asia).
There was also a focus on building greater trust, openness and mutual respect within the team, which included the Head of Global Operations.
Over the three days managers were actively encouraged to produce development action plans; on a personal and management team basis. This proved so successful in changing attitudes and approaches at senior management level, that it was cascaded to middle managers six months later. Senior management attended and fully participated in these middle management programmes.
Results
Feedback from the Head of Global Operations and senior managers has been extremely positive and tangible improvements have been achieved in the areas of leadership, accountability and trust. Middle management has also been very positive; managers have particularly appreciated the assistance they received to attain greater self-awareness, and their greater ability to achieve behavioural change within their teams.
More than a year after the programme was delivered the Head of Global Operations reported that managers still 'talk about that course' as the best management programme they have done.