Expro transforms technical talent into managers of the future : External accreditation ensures that bosses have the necessary skills

Purpose – Explains that Expro, a fast-growing company well-flow company whose employees are technical experts in their field, needed to train more employees in the skills that would convert them into the top managers of the future. Design/methodology/approach – Considers the reasons for the management-development program, the form it takes and the results it has achieved. Findings – Reveals a clear improvement in line management's understanding of its role in supporting employee personal development and fostering good organizational communication, two of Expro's key cultural goals. Practical implications – Describes how Expro is now entering the second phase of the management-development process and will be cross-referencing the results of managers' training with the existing internal employee-appraisal program. Social implications – Highlights the benefits of an externally-accredited qualification for managers. Originality/value – Explores how a predominantly technical and scientific workforce can be given effective leadership skills.