LEXi was approached by Solvd Together in 2023 to partner on the execution of their new leadership development programme, aimed at implementing a business leadership capability programme for the UK’s busiest airport. This award-winning learning solution marked the first major people-focused, development and growth programme for them since the pandemic.
Constant change, flux and uncertainty during the pandemic had left their workforce exhausted and shocked. The loss of significant staff members depleted critical skills and knowledge, while the rapid introduction of new team members and managers created another set of challenges.
This programme, ‘Lead the Way’, was integral to launching a new cultural direction and increasing engagement and cohesion for a fragmented workforce. It was a pivotal moment in the airport’s people strategy, putting development and growth at the forefront of its vision.
The client sought a human-centred learning solution that offered practical guidance for leaders across a number of departments. The goal was to create a safe, engaging environment where leaders could immerse themselves in realistic scenarios, applying their leadership skills, identifying their strengths, and reflecting on areas for growth.
Solvd Together recognised that the success of the programme hinged on the ability to deliver dynamic and engaging experiences for leaders to practice their skills in real-time. They needed a partner that could provide a collaborative, bespoke approach that combined challenging and supportive elements to encourage authentic learning and personal development.
Skilled Actor / Facilitator involvement was essential to the success of the programme and we assembled a team of actors skilled in engaging diverse audiences across different cultures, mindsets, and levels of experience. The goal was to create immersive, realistic scenarios where leaders could safely practice their leadership skills and assess their strengths and weaknesses against core competencies and behaviours. In collaboration with Solvd Together, we developed scenarios with the optimal balance of challenge and support, encouraging participants to engage in conversations and learn through practical experience. Our partnership established an environment where individuals could thoughtfully reflect on their interactions with each character while pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones.
Understanding that many of the participants had been navigating uncertain times, we placed a strong emphasis on empathy. Our team worked to create scenarios that reflected this sensitivity, while still offering opportunities for leaders to stretch their thinking, behaviour, and leadership style. Each interaction was carefully crafted to encourage self-reflection, deepening the learning experience.
In addition to delivering these drama-based scenarios, our actors also facilitated small group discussions and provided personalised coaching. They were trained in various coaching and feedback models, allowing them to guide participants through reflective learning moments and offer constructive feedback.
The programme saw an increase in employee engagement of 19%, while trust in leadership rose by 8% and the positive feedback from participants was overwhelmingly encouraging. By creating a dynamic, safe space for leaders to engage in experiential learning, we were able to contribute to the airport’s vision for future leadership and personal growth.
“You have been a responsive, supportive, and engaging partner throughout the programme and have supplied a team that has received consistently positive feedback. What I really appreciate is how invested you are in the outcome – it doesn’t feel like you’re just providing a resource, but that you truly take the time to understand our needs, which makes a meaningful impact on the experience.”
Adele Martin from Solvd Together