Leader Development at ITW
“Coaching has had a direct effect on getting four of our managers promoted. ”
CLIENT
A large plastics manufacturing plant serving automotive manufacturers in the US, Europe, and Japan. Products are typically small plastic fasteners that are used in the assembly of OEM automobiles. The organization has been in business since 1991 and employs over 200 staff.
Dan Burns served as the client executive for Burns Leadership Consulting for this project.
OPPORTUNITY/CHALLENGE
The Operations Team was managed with a traditional approach prior to 2016. Joe, Weiss, Director of Operations wanted to up the game in leader communication, team development, employee development and problem solving. The Director also wanted to raise the bar on inclusiveness in the organization.
CO-DESIGNED SOLUTION
The organization partnered with Burns Leadership Consulting looking for ways to develop key employees and their teams. A co-designed solution started with confirming key leader competencies given the organization’s objectives. Based on key competencies, training and coaching elements were designed and delivered.
The Operations Team engaged in team training. According to Joe, “We wanted to increase leader communication to teams and improve our Team Leader's empathy. Dan met with us and asked us several questions. We got a homework assignment concentrating on leadership traits which we narrowed down to what we viewed as critical. Dan developed the training based on these traits. The training is set up so the Supervisors get to attend without senior management. We want them to be in a comfortable environment. We have gotten several positive comments from attendees of this team training. We have yet to get a negative comment. Dan has a unique style to get people to open up.”
OUTCOME/RESULTS
Joe stated, “The training was well received and attended. We are working on our second group now with Dan. Benefits in the approach to leadership for the one-on-one coaching personnel are immeasurable. Dan transformed several team members approach to the work. I can also state that Dan's coaching has had a direct effect on getting four of our manager's promoted. We are a flagship plant in a Fortune 500 company with a history of outstanding performance. We have had four long-term most senior leaders retire in the past three years. Our KPI results to include profitability have continued to improve despite losing this long term talent. Dan has coached most of the current senior leaders and is part of this results improvement. A manager with a technical background had some issues with communication and approach to peers and employees. The manager at times was a little rough. Dan's coaching helped make a night and day difference after a short time with this employee. The manager went from being difficult to a high performer almost overnight. This individual has been promoted and has improved plant KPIs considerably in the past two years. The manager's approach had been praised by peers and subordinates alike. I recommend Dan. I think it is important to trust his process and do monthly follow ups with the individuals and teams that Dan coaches.”