Client challenge
A leading FTSE 250 technology organisation, operating across 13 countries, was evolving from a highly federated structure to a more globalised operating model. This transformation required shifts in reporting lines, budget approvals, and processes, along with the introduction of a newly outsourced technology support team. While this presented an exciting opportunity for greater efficiency and collaboration, it also required the senior leadership team (SLT) to adopt new ways of working. To ensure alignment, engagement, and a smooth transition, an offsite was designed to bring the SLT together, build trust, and co-create a clear path forward.
What we did
Rapid understanding of context: We quickly got to grips with the business case, key data points, desired outcomes, and stakeholder sentiment. This included reviewing leadership feedback on the transformation and assessing the Technology SLT’s readiness for change.
Co-creation with leadership: Working closely with the CTO and Portfolio Director, we defined the critical outcomes for the offsite and ensured alignment with the broader transformation strategy, including consideration of how the work done at the offsite would need to be supported over the next 12 months.
Content development for impact: We crafted deep-dive sessions covering
- The vision for the organisation, the role of the new TOM, and the specifics of the upcoming changes.
- A leadership development session on building trust in the team, delivered by an Uuna partner from Saïd Business School, Oxford, with an exploration of team dynamics and their influence on success or failure.
- A co-creation exercise to develop a collective action plan.
Delivery and engagement: The 3-day offsite received brilliant feedback, with near-total agreement from participants on their understanding and commitment to the new journey. Feedback is that within the first three months, the SLT have made more progress than in the previous 12 months.
Business outcomes
- Create together: Established a psychologically safe environment for the SLT to collaborate and co-create a shared plan.
- Define and align: Designed exercises to surface hopes and concerns, followed by structured exploration using a globally recognised leadership programme playbook.
- Lead the change: Unprompted feedback post-event indicated a noticeable shift in leadership behaviour, driving real momentum in the transformation.
