VA Consultants has worked with the Telegraph Media Group on a Management Development Programme which was delivered over a six-month period and was designed to create a shift in leadership style from a legacy directive, tell style to a consultative dialogue-based leadership approach. The company’s historical style was not delivering the quality of leadership that was required in modern times and the new generation of employees did not respond well to this behaviour. 

The media industry is highly competitive, and the Telegraph needed to attract and retain the highest calibre of employees in all functions/departments. The business had identified that a culture of outstanding leadership dialogue and interpersonal engagement would achieve this aim.

The high-pressure environment of a daily newspaper and minute-by-minute online platforms meant that VA was tasked to deliver fast paced, highly engaging one-day interventions.

A blended approach of practical and theoretical development was used to engage, accelerate and embed the participants’ learning.  The multi-modular programme had a core focus on leadership, self and social awareness, operating in a world of volatility, uncertainty, change and ambiguity (VUCA).

Participants were supported with coaching and one-to-one follow-up meetings. Colin Campbell-Austin, Head of Talent and People Development at the Telegraph Media Group commented:

“We chose to partner with VA Consultants on the Managers Programme and on a number of development workshops at the Telegraph Media Group because they take the time to understand our context. They never deliver off the shelf programmes, they take the time to listen to us deeply and design unique programmes that address our needs. 

The programmes VA delivered were challenging, engaging and made a real difference in our business.  On top of that, they were really easy to deal with.  The results and feedback has been excellent and I’m looking forward to working with them again in the future”.

Colin Campbell-Austin, Head of Talent and People Development, Telegraph Media Group

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