Government agency engages apc to develop its leadership team, and ultimately deliver a better experience for their staff, as well as American citizens.
The Client
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), comprised of approximately 37,000 dedicated Civilians and Soldiers, delivers vital engineering solutions to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. They build and maintain America’s infrastructure and provide military facilities where our servicemembers train, work, and live. They also develop technology for our war fighters while protecting America’s interests abroad by using their engineering expertise to promote stability and improve quality of life.
The Challenge
The USACE New England district saw an opportunity to help their teams better manage conflict, assess and improve their personal and professional performance, and be able to develop personnel in the workplace, including peers, supervisors, and direct reports. Success as a result of improving in these areas would include stronger Employee Engagement and more meaningful Community Relationships.
The Approach
Beginning in March 2021, USACE New England enlisted apc to deliver several training workshops, including Conflict Management, Developing Others, and 360° Feedback and Development as part of their Leadership Development Program. apc first met with USACE to gain a thorough understanding of the agency’s organizational culture and desired goals. The apc team then designed and customized the full initiative in accordance with the USACE mission, vision, and objectives in mind. During the workshops, apc facilitators utilize real-world case studies and examples so that trainees best understand how to directly apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained in their roles.
In addition to workshops, apc conducts 360° Assessments for USACE employees. These assessments provide objective and constructive feedback to identify employee strengths, as well as areas where support or guidance may be needed.
Other benefits of the 360° Feedback:
- Increases self-awareness and accountability
- Helps expose hidden issues and target areas that need to be addressed
- Identifies potential leaders and helps managers prepare them for leadership roles
- Encourages personal and professional development
- Creates a culture of openness and transparency
- Strengthens working relationships
- Reduces employee turnover
- Helps managers make informed decisions about employee training/development and job assignments
Lastly, once the 360° Assessments are completed, apc provides USACE employees with a personalized report and readback. And, a major element that truly sets apc apart from its competitors is that we do not simply give the employees a report and expect them to take action. We conduct two individualized coaching sessions with each employee.
The employee and coach work together to build a specific and measurable action plan for the employee to work on. Ultimately, key themes will arise from coaching sessions with multiple employees; which may point to skill gaps or opportunities for growth for the employees or the organization as a whole. In the follow-up session, the coach and employee discuss progress, gauge how any changes that were made are impacting their respective team and organization, and receive guidance on overcoming any obstacles.
The Results
During this time, apc has been able to help several employees develop and grow into leaders. With our training, 360 feedback, and coaching, USACE has been able to better align individual goals with organizational objectives, leading to improved organizational performance. The agency has also been able to help managers prepare for leadership roles. Employees are more engaged and productive in their roles. More than 7 out of 10 participants scored higher in year-over-year personal performance, as rated by their peers, following apc’s customized training and 360 Assessments. The improved performance and engagement has led to a better experience overall for the communities they serve.
Interested in learning more about how apc can help your organization? Please contact Jessica Hamel at jhamel@athpower.com.