The Challenge

Over the past year and a half, our client, a professional services company, embarked on an ambitious program of growth. Through new hires and the acquisition of several related businesses, its ranks doubled and the number of key managers increased from seven to fifteen, in less than eighteen months. The new managers came from three sources: internal, external and acquired organizations.

Having recently experienced a lawsuit brought by an ex-employee for perceived mistreatment by a supervisor, the executive team became concerned that the influx of new managers, each with different training, background and standards, might lead to the inconsistent treatment of employees and potentially expose the company to further legal risk.

It was essential that all managers and supervisors adhere to a common set of professional standards. Extensis developed and delivered a tailored suite of training programs for all managers and supervisors in the application of uniform standards and procedures across the organization.

The Process

Initially, Extensis conducted a Needs Analysis to identify areas of concern and then scheduled a sequence of training programs for all managers and supervisors. Each segment focused on a different area of professional knowledge and behavior, an on-going Manager Development Program.

The first program was Employment 101: The Manager’s Role in Employment Law. This session familiarized participants with the key areas of employment law in practical terms. The managers and supervisors learned the key laws, studied guidelines outlining actions to take and to avoid and role-played scenarios derived from real-life situations.

A second training session focused on Performance Appraisal, Principles and Systems, a third on Dealing with Challenging Employees and a fourth on The Termination Process. Additional training was scheduled on a quarterly basis.

The Result

Our client’s growth continues at the same rate, without any employee litigation. Managers and supervisors across the company apply the same standards and procedures consistently and within a legal framework. The continual Manager Development Program ensures that the management team maintains its current high level of professional expertise.