‘One of the most successful development interventions we have ever run’

Astra Zeneca

RESULT – ‘Dear Denis…This programme – Constructive Conversations – is recognised as one of the most successful development interventions we have ever run in Astra Zeneca and as you know, it is now being adopted in other parts of the business… yours sincerely, Simon King – HRVP, R&D.’

Astra Zeneca commissioned the Oxford Group to develop a programme to help R&D managers hold more effective conversations.  The Programme focused on 5 critical conversations that AZ believed all managers need to have.  The programme combined teaching theory with practical sessions. Delegates received individual feedback around style and effectiveness in their conversations.

My role – Part of design team for the programme and recruitment of Swedish team, co-piloted the programme in the US and Sweden and led the English speaking programmes in Sweden for 2 years.

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‘Bottom line impact of £5 million’

Mars – Global food and drink manufacturer

1-1 Coaching programme with Marketing Director

RESULT - Bottom line impact of £5 million’. “This is a result of putting higher calibre people in place as a result of the coaching.  Recent survey of engagement saw my ‘levels of satisfaction’ in the department increase by 0.8. An increase in 0.2 in ‘levels of satisfaction’ is considered ‘significant’ ”

Situation – Sue had one poor performer in her high performing team.  She struggled with conflict in conversations.   She did not get her message across.  She had pre-conceived ideas about how meetings would run.  This stopped her getting what she wanted.

The coaching – We talked through specific situations and people.  We got to the cause of the problems.  Sue’s self awareness increased after every session.  She would take this awareness and experiment with new her thinking at work.  We combined reflection with action.  This made the difference for Sue

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‘Changed the way I talk and think about people’

Mouchel

1-1 Coaching Programme with Project Director

(responsible for a team of 350 consultants)

RESULT ‘Clients fed back that it feels like I care a bit more.  Changed the way I talk and think about people.  Less judgemental, eyes opened… seeing people in a different light. Learned how to get buy-in from people that are different from me’.

The coaching – John was leading a restructure and needed to generate better relationships with all his team.  He had preconceived ideas about people and how they were.

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‘Denis asked the hard and direct questions’

GlaxoSmithKline

Coach to International Sales Strategy Director

RESULT – ‘Clarity on my own personal development and next career move.’

‘Through Denis’s excellent facilitation skills and gift to ask the hard and direct questions, I was able to achieve a good understanding as to my goals and purpose. I achieved a practical action plan which clearly set out the next steps.  Time spent with Denis has been well worth the investment in every aspect.’

The coaching – Paul was someone seen as ‘high-potential’ at GSK.  He was not happy.  He did not know why.   He wanted his thinking challenged.