Like to find out a little more about the clients we serve? These leadership development case studies will give you a better understanding of how we help organisations develop leadership capability and build high performing teams.
Jobsbank
Jobsbank is an independent, Victorian based not-for-profit organisation that makes inclusive employment and social procurement work for business. They look at individual business needs, tailoring solutions to increase employer inclusivity and fill workforce gaps. Working closely with government, community and non-profit partners they create full-service business support that makes socially inclusive employment easy and sustainable.
With a diverse career in education and employment, CEO Dr. Karina Davis has been dedicated to enhancing access and retention in education, particularly for nontraditional students in higher and vocational education. Her drive to improve life opportunities led her to help individuals secure meaningful employment. Through Jobsbank, she focuses on working with employers to create inclusive and flexible work environments, supporting diverse groups to foster long-term employee retention and success.
Situation
Jobsbank faced a critical challenge in steering its team towards cohesive growth and leadership development. The situation necessitated an approach that was bespoke rather than one-size-fits-all, underscoring the need to move beyond conventional training programs. Their leadership recognised the evolving demands to foster accountability and nurture a culture where team members felt empowered and secure in their positions.
This recognition spurred their decision to engage with The Leadership Sphere, an organisation that could offer personalised support and programs tailored to the unique dynamics of Jobsbank’s workforce. By understanding the core areas that required attention—team alignment, leadership initiative, and personal growth— Jobsbank CEO, Dr Karina Davis and her Executive Assistant, Taylor Burge sought The Leadership Sphere’s expertise to not only expand leadership capabilities but also cultivate a flourishing environment for its employees. The partnership was established to ensure that growth was continuous and deeply aligned with the organisation’s values and future aspirations.
“I see that we’ve forged what is, in my view, a long-term growth partnership for the organisation.” – Dr. Karina Davis
Working with Jobsbank
Objectives
The program was designed to propel Jobsbank towards greater leadership and team cohesion by focusing on several key objectives:
- Enhance leadership skills through customised training that tackled both individual and organisational challenges.
- Cultivate a culture of accountability and empowerment, ensuring that every team member feels valued and secure in their role.
- Align team efforts with the organisation’s values and future aspirations, fostering a unified direction within the workforce.
By emphasising personalised support, the program aimed to establish a sustainable environment for ongoing growth and development, ultimately steering Jobsbank towards its strategic objectives.
Approach
To address the challenges faced by Jobsbank, TLS adopted a tailored and comprehensive approach that would resonate with the specific needs of the organisation.
Needs Analysis
The initial phase involved an in-depth assessment to understand the unique cultural and operational dynamics at Jobsbank. This assessment phase was crucial in identifying areas where leadership development and team alignment were most needed.
Program Design
Following this, TLS co-created a curriculum that combined theoretical frameworks with practical application, ensuring that participants could immediately integrate new skills into their daily operations. Workshops and interactive sessions were embedded within the program to facilitate experiential learning, engaging participants in real-world scenarios that required leadership acumen and collaborative problem-solving.
Coaching Support
TLS also incorporated one-on-one coaching sessions to support individual growth, allowing team members to reflect on personal and professional development. By delivering this customised program, TLS ensured that its strategies were not only aligned with Jobsbank’s objectives but were also adaptable to evolving organisational needs, ensuring sustainable change and long-term growth.
“It’s not a cookie cutter kind of approach. Phil and I talk after each session to adjust and to figure out where the team are now. And what do they need and where do they need to push? So that means that in TLS we’ve got an opportunity to continue the growth, but with an organisation that knows where we’ve come from; and that’s really that’s really important to validate and acknowledge, but also to know where we’re headed.” – Dr. Karina Davis
Foundations
The foundation of Jobsbank’s leadership program was significantly influenced by the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument® (HBDI®). This framework was chosen due to its proven effectiveness in fostering self-awareness and enhancing communication within diverse teams. The HBDI® model served as the cornerstone for understanding cognitive diversity within the organisation, enabling leaders to recognise and appreciate different thinking styles.
This understanding laid the groundwork for personal and organisational transformation, as it facilitated better collaboration and decision-making. By incorporating HBDI® assessments, TLS ensured that each participant gained insights into their cognitive preferences, which empowered them to leverage their strengths and address areas for growth. This emphasis on cognitive diversity was pivotal in shaping a leadership culture that values different perspectives, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and inclusive organisational climate.
“The work we did with the HBDI® preference thinking and seeing how, without realising, we’re applying that to day to day operations within the team. I think it’s given everyone just a deeper understanding of each other and a little bit more empathy as well; when it comes to each other and how we approach tasks and who we pull and when and why. ” – Taylor Burge
Outcomes
The partnership between Jobsbank and TLS resulted in transformative and far-reaching outcomes. Jobsbank’s leadership expressed deep satisfaction with the authentic collaboration that was more than transactional, highlighting the importance of trust and mutual engagement in meeting the program’s objectives. Key aspects of this successful collaboration include:
Personalised Engagement & Adaptability
By focusing on personalised engagement and program adaptability, there was a marked increase in both individual and collective growth. Embracing the discomfort of development led to significant personal advancements and heightened accountability throughout the organisation.
Support & Communication
Continuous support and open communication enhanced empathy and understanding among participants, cultivating a more cohesive and supportive work environment.
HBDI® Framework
The introduction of the HBDI® framework added a new dimension to team dynamics. Participants leveraged cognitive diversity for improved communication and collaboration.
This collective growth empowered individuals and aligned the team with Jobsbank’s strategic goals, ensuring the organisation is well-prepared for future challenges and opportunities.
“I wholeheartedly recommend TLS to any organisation serious about propelling leadership and care within their teams. The program challenged us to take brave steps and fostered a caring, flourishing environment, proving its impact.” – Dr. Karina Davis
The Leadership Sphere
The Leadership Sphere is one of the most highly regarded leadership development partners for small and medium business and larger organisations in Australia. This includes leadership development programs, building high performing teams, executive coaching and other leadership tools and services. We are grateful of the opportunity to work with Jobsbank CEO, Dr. Karina Davis, her EA Taylor Burge, and for the commitment and actions taken by everyone involved in the program.
Case Studies
Ashurst LLP
Ashurst is a leading international law firm established in the United Kingdom with operations in Asia, Australia, Middle East, and the United States. Although established in 1822, the firm did not officially set up shop in Australia until 2012 when it combined practice with Melbourne-based firm Blake Dawson (est. 1841) which then rebranded to Ashurst Australia.
APT Travel Group
The APT Travel Group (ATG) is a global business with an extensive portfolio of touring and cruising brands including APT, Travelmarvel, TravelGlo, Botanica World Discoveries, Captains Choice and Antarctica Flights. As Australia’s largest locally owned tour company and most awarded, it maintains an unparalleled commitment to innovation in defining what travel means, not only in Australia but the world.
DesignInc
DesignInc is an Australia-wide practice, dedicated to creating people-centric environments from the large scale to the small. DesignInc’s award-winning portfolio includes hospitals and laboratories, sport centres, schools and universities, workplaces, multi-residential communities and infrastructure projects.
Down Syndrome Victoria
Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV) is Victoria’s peak organisation representing people with Down syndrome and their families. They work alongside people with Down syndrome to reach their potential and live the lives they choose. Their aim is to create a society where people with Down syndrome are valued, and enjoy social and economic inclusion.
Envista
Envista is a global leader in the dental industry, consisting of over thirty trusted brands, including Nobel Biocare. Their purpose is to partner with professionals to improve lives and provide the best possible patient care through industry-leading products, solutions, and technology.
Jobsbank
Jobsbank is an independent, Victorian based not-for-profit organisation that makes inclusive employment and social procurement work for business. They look at individual business needs, tailoring solutions to increase employer inclusivity and fill workforce gaps. Working closely with government, community and non-profit partners they create full-service business support that makes socially inclusive employment easy and sustainable.
Our promise to you
- The best solution for delivering your desired learning outcomes.
- Highly experienced and accredited consultants, facilitators and coaches.
- Proprietary methodologies based on the latest research and experience from world-leading consultants.
- Evidence-driven program design. You always know what results you’re getting.
- Dedicated support team. We love to help you succeed.
- Open and honest communication. Our mantra is “clear is kind”.
- You define what ‘value’ means. We deliver.
Phillip Ralph
