In March 2003 Nicki Swan and Martin Codrington were invited to tender
for a contract with one of the big 4 accountancy firms to design
and deliver a national two-day, client facing development workshop
for accountancy trainees.
Specifically, the workshops we designed provide an opportunity for
individuals to:
• Build confidence when dealing
with clients;
• Enhance their listening skills
and questioning techniques;
• Develop their ability to provide
valuable feedback;
• Project manage a client project;
• Improve their ability to understand
and experience what makes a successful team;
• Develop their coaching capability.
The unique design includes working closely with charitable organisations
who act as clients for the participants. Participants work on genuine
projects with senior executives from the charities, providing an
excellent opportunity to enhance their client relationship skills,
whilst benefiting charities with the quality of resources provided.
Key to the success of the workshops is the opportunity to raise
participants’ self awareness through the provision of ongoing
feedback and coaching. The experienced facilitators, which include
Rob Sheffield, David Leigh, Kim Harvey and Natalie Evans ensure
that all participants are provided with the opportunity to receive
specific feedback that enables them to understand their strengths
and development needs. Quality feedback provided by the “clients”
adds value to the process.
The design recommendations, obvious commitment to outstanding client
service combined with a thorough understanding of the firm’s
culture and challenges resulted in the offer of the contract.
In 2007 we were awarded a National Training Award because "
the workshop combines business imperatives and creative learning
techniques with an overall commitment to developing the individual."
Now into the fifth year, the workshops continue to receive rave
reviews from participants. The organisation is very pleased with
their employee response and feedback because they are involved in
delivering Corporate Social Responsibility at the sharp end.
We have been delighted with the continued success of the workshops
and the opportunity to work with many different charities [85 in
number].
Participants leave the workshops feeling inspired, motivated and
committed to continually enhancing the quality of service they provide
to their clients. In a number of cases the participants have followed
up their work with the charities with additional voluntary work
such as fund raising.
Productive collaboration across business
units
‘Coaching with confidence’
- Using Coaching to transform culture
A Successful Change Management Case
Study
Leaders with high potential
Innovation through teams
Raising graduate awareness and impact
European Leadership development
Organisational change with the Public-sector
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