'We are going through a huge transformation process that started several years ago. The lighting industry is dominated by rapid and disruptive change. New unknown competitors are entering the market. Volatile and uncertain market conditions are the norm. And business complexity has increased. That is why it is important to prepare our new managers for the challenges we face now and in the years to come," said Georg Bachmaier - Senior Director Talent Acquisition & Development.
'Right now, everything is about change at OSRAM. We are facing challenges that require an innovative mindset and new leadership skills, such as decision-making, conflict management, dealing with change and motivating employees. We want to strengthen our new managers to meet these challenges and strengthen our competitive position, ' says Susanna Schmid-Elsaesser, Senior Consultant Leadership Development at OSRAM.
OSRAM chose a program that trains their future leaders in new management skills. "It is vital to OSRAM that the participants can immediately apply their new skills in their jobs. Relevance's Essentials of Leadership (ELP) program aligned well with this desire. The premise of the program is to strengthen intrinsic motivation and the vision that understanding your own ambitions and skills makes achieving your goals easier.
The ELP program is composed of three training modules, with assignments via the digital learning platform and interim peer review meetings. Each module lasts two and a half days and takes place in a rural setting away from the office. 'This allows managers to concentrate fully on the training.' More than 500 participants have now completed the program in Europe, Asia/Pacific as well as the Americas. The program's lead time is 6 months.
'Our managers pick up the new leadership skills quickly. The participants are sharp, alert and willing to step out of their comfort zone. They are challenged and challenge each other. The atmosphere is relaxed and confident. We immediately notice the effect compared to the old way of working. The proactive 'can-do' attitude makes the biggest difference.
'On the recommendation of our US division, Relevance brought out a proposal. This proposal convinced us that Relevance could deliver a customized program that exactly matched our needs and requirements. Especially with regard to the direct applicability of the new skills in practice. And perhaps the Dutch open mindset also convinced us.
OSRAM and Relevance won an ATD (Association for Talent Development) Award for this successful program. Susanna on the success: 'Basis for the success of ELP was a well thought-out concept that met the needs of our organization and our leaders in our time. We were able to achieve this through good co-creation with Relevance in the development phase of the program.'
'Colleagues from OSRAM business units and HR worked very effectively with experienced designers and facilitators from Relevance. By continuously optimizing the program through close cooperation, we ensure an up-to-date program structure and content. And the experienced trainers ensure the high quality and effectiveness in implementation.'