Workplace Culture Change Case Studies
Engineering Company
The starting point
Rapidly-expanding business, with dated, rigid ways of working
Problems constantly escalated to the Managing Director
Tensions between Millennials & GenX
Experienced managers “stuck in their ways” and reluctant to change
Team leaders blaming each other for operational issues
Team communications characterised by criticism, moaning & banter
Managing Director worried about customer satisfaction & colleague wellbeing. Never able to “switch off”
“When I began working with them, this all-male management team seemed to be functioning as 9 skilled individuals, all working hard, yet struggling to adapt to rapid growth. They were typically taking the pressure out on each other.
They were being held back by their frustrations with poor systems, a lack of effective communication and some fears about new ways of working. I really admired their commitment to improving their relationships and company culture.”
“It took three of us 45 minutes together to sort something we’ve been struggling with for months. When time is money, that’s a huge saving.””
What happened?
The management team of 9 followed the H.U.M.A.N. team coaching programme, guided by Dr Jeanne Hardacre for 12 months. They learnt and practised how to:
- Have honest conversations without criticising or putting others down
- Run effective meetings with or without the directors present
-Work and communicate across the business to speed up problem-solving
-Be more considerate of each other’s pressures, offering more empathy
-Work as a management team rather than as separate departmental heads
-Support, encourage and coach each other
What changed?
More focus on progress, improvement and joint success
More responsibility and accountability
More collaborative support across the management team
Increased confidence among younger managers to speak up and share ideas
Less reliance on the directors to solve everyday problems
More honest, considerate, enjoyable communication
Directors feeling relieved at managers taking initiative
Openness to new systems and ways of working
