16.40 The high value that comes from involving Line Managers in any development event

Here, with Rebecca Norton I explore the very significant added value that results directly from involving line managers at the earliest stage of any development event.

Using a current leadership programme ranging from the USA to China as the platform, I summarise the value I am gaining from the insights and perspectives of line managers with whom I speak, often many times, about the strengths of their colleagues to build upon, and specific issues in need of development.

This takes time, mine and theirs, time is money, and my client has, to his credit, seen the benefits of building this into the programme. Here we briefly dig into how and why line managers engage positively in this context, and why they do not.

Far too many times I feel line managers, critical stakeholders in the process of helping people develop and enhance performance, are not even considered during design, delivery or evaluation of a learning programme.

We conclude that in the right circumstances, which I believe is more often than not, the early involvement, and continued dialogue with line management can be a critical element in returning measurable value through applied learning.