Our product 'Pairing for Performance' has been used to bring a completely fresh and gutsy approach to leadership development in very large and hierarchical organisations. Five government departments have used this product. One of them, Defra, put their programme forward for a National Training Award and the national People Management Award and was a runner up in both.

The scheme pairs staff "buddies" with top leaders. The buddies observe and give their leaders detailed, face to face feedback in a range of 'influencing' situations. We intensively train the buddies in a range of observation techniques and in feedback. Their leaders benefit from honest comment on their performance, forging an innovative way of connecting directly with those on whom they rely to deliver their promises. The buddy obtains early insights into the demands and skills of a leadership role.

Top managers have highlighted the collaborative working, the undiluted messages from the front line and "a Rolls-Royce of a feedback service" as being some of the crucial benefits they have obtained from 'Pairing for Performance.'

Buddies have highlighted the "value of being valued not for grade but for skill and contribution" and the early insights into the demands made on their own leaders - "Food for thought on preparing ourselves for future senior roles."

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UNLEASHING TALENT through front line colleague - to - colleague coaching in a major government department
BREAKING THE MOULD in traditional hierarchies - co-development between top leaders & their most junior staff
A TROUBLESHOOTING first for the UK'S premier airport
FAST TRACK TO CHANGE - a model for the government's 'movement for innovation in the construction industry'. Winner of national People Management Award.
ROOM TO BREATHE - taking charge of our own future
INTERPERSONAL LEADERSHIP in a law enforcement team
A FLYING START - establishing behavioural standards in new teams