Challenge
Berge Bulk, a maritime shipping organization that serves the major miners, steel mills, and charterers of the world, identified a lack of systematic leadership training within the organization. To fill this gap, the client wanted a learning program that would (a) equip junior leaders with the toolsets and mindsets needed to lead their teams, (b) support leaders in the day-to-day activities of the business while developing them for the future, and (c) create an inclusive environment that establishes safety as the primary concern of all employees.
Delivering training to a seafaring workforce posed a significant challenge. Since employees spent very little time on land, the window for learning was very short. Additionally, the solution needed to be delivered worldwide, with the possibility of only engaging 12 to 18 people at a time, over not more than three to four classroom days.
The lack of reliable Wi-Fi on ships posed an additional challenge since participants would be unable to take part in critical practice and sustainment activities once they returned to sea. Further challenges arose with the rise of COVID-19 restrictions, which made an in-person learning experience impossible.
Solution
During the initial phase of development, GP Strategies conducted surveys and one-on-one interviews with a select group of employees to pinpoint leadership skills gaps and ongoing business and industry challenges. These results were used to map out the core skill competencies and develop an in-person leadership program.
With the unexpected arrival of COVID-19, the initial in-person experience GP Strategies had envisioned needed to be quickly adapted to employees who were stuck on shore in their respective companies. Fast thinking and agile design tactics made it possible to redesign the entire program into a virtual classroom delivery model without losing its essential components. The program was delivered virtually on Zoom in ten half-day sessions. This made it easy to complete during the learner’s time away from the sea and enabled learners from all over the world to participate.
Since the audience was unaccustomed to virtual learning, thorough communication was prioritized when launching the pilot cohort. GP Strategies engaged the learners with pre-assessment and preparation materials before their ten half-day virtual sessions. The virtual course also used calendar invites to block off the learner’s time and provide them with details, pre-work activities, and course materials for the upcoming session. Within the sessions themselves, the trainers provided regular chat prompts, group discussions, and role-playing activities to help offset the lack of in-person interaction. This kept the participants focused and created an environment of active participation and peer encouragement.
Since Q4 2022, the program has pivoted back to in-person live classroom training in several countries, illustrating the adaptability and effectiveness of this unique learning program.
Results
- Since the launch of the program, 256 junior leaders have been trained.
- Based on simulations, by the end of the program’s run, the organization will save 29% on the blended learning approach vs a fully in-classroom setting.
- 88.71% of respondents provided a rating of 4 or above (on a 5-point scale) in a 2023 Post-Workshop Survey
This program has been honored with a 2024 HCM Excellence Award by the Brandon Hall Group: Bronze Award for Best Measuring the Impact of Leadership Development.
