Unilever “raises the bar” in terms of leadership performance : Development program helps managers to win hearts and minds

Purpose – Examines the leadership‐development programme that Oakridge Training & Consulting delivered to the management team at Unilever Foods UK. Design/methodology/approach – Presents the viewpoints of both the training provider and the client company. Findings – Explains that the training was based on four modules – developing self and others through coaching, holding people accountable and managing conflict, leading teams, and effective presentations – each lasting two days, delivered over nine months. The training involved use of a “buddy” system, professional actors to help to authenticate role‐plays, action‐learning methods, simulations, presentations, team game and learning from experience involving group feedback. Practical implications – Details how group members were encouraged to bring real issues they faced at work and let colleagues help them to find solutions. This led to greater understanding of the processes within the company. Originality/value – Reveals that using actors added an element of authenticity, and that the course as a whole helped managers to relate to each other and highlighted the importance of developing relationships.