PRACTICAL CHANGE LEADERSHIP

Alignment and strengthening change leadership within a business unit


Client: A leading retailer in home electronics.
Period: Autumn 2024.
Scope: Leadership journey with self-studies, seminar series and practical homework involving managers and specialist at various levels.

Challenge

The retailer’s rapid growth and expansion over the past decade has highlighted the strengths of its agile and flexible leadership style. However, this adaptability sometimes veered into unstructured “ad-hoc” behaviours, causing inefficiencies and disconnects from operational realities. Leaders voiced frustrations about prematurely abandoned initiatives, insufficient follow-up, and a lack of continuity, undermining meaningful progress.
The organisation also struggled with prioritisation, where “everything is important, and therefore, nothing is,” leading to stress and a need for greater clarity. Recognising these challenges, the client sought to enhance their leaders’ ability to manage change effectively and sustainably, embedding these skills into both everyday leadership and structured initiatives.

The solution

Symbal designed the Enable Sustainable Change programme, a customised leadership training series tailored to the client’s needs. The programme included a two-day seminar followed by a one-day session six weeks later, providing participants with opportunities to explore foundational concepts and practical tools. Between sessions, participants engaged in homework, self-study on theories and models, and group tasks to reflect and deliver actionable insights.

The programme centred on three core objectives: helping leaders develop self-awareness of their change management styles, empowering teams to take ownership of change initiatives, and equipping participants with practical tools for effective communication, facilitation, and follow-up. A defining feature was the introduction of shared frameworks and language, enabling leaders to align strategies and maintain consistent practices across the organisation.

To address varying levels of leadership experience, the training was designed to be accessible while remaining highly practical, delivering immediate value that participants could apply directly to their daily operations.

Results

While it is still early to assess the full impact, initial outcomes are promising. The training provided practical insights and addressed real-world challenges faced by participants. The Enable Sustainable Change programme is expected to deliver long-term benefits, including a more aligned leadership team, effective change management, and greater consistency and clarity across the organisation.


Client feedback and mutual learnings

Participants praised the programme’s practical focus and adaptability, as well as the expertise of the Symbal consultants who facilitated the sessions. While the training suited experienced leaders, it was noted that dividing participants by experience levels could have enhanced effectiveness, with a basic module for newer leaders and an advanced track for topics like stakeholder management. Despite this, the programme equipped all participants with tools to drive clarity, alignment, and sustainable change in their daily work.

Looking to empower your leaders and drive sustainable change? Contact Symbal today to discover how we can help your organisation thrive!