To attract new talent to an organization, it’s critical to align career offerings with candidates’ needs and desires. As numerous studies have shown, one of the most important factors today’s job seekers look for in a prospective employer is the opportunity for career development and advancement.
In a recent survey, the following insight was gained concerning job seeker motivations: “Beyond compensation, active job seekers are primarily motivated by career advancement (52%)….” Therefore, it makes sense that the most attractive companies to work for, and the best qualified job candidates, share a common aspiration: participation in programs that support emerging leaders.
A Strategic Leadership Experience
One example of such a program can be found at Okuma America Corporation, a provider of machine tools used in the manufacturing industry, with headquarters based in Charlotte, N.C. Like many companies, Okuma is faced with the two-sided challenge of having a highly tenured workforce nearing retirement age, and a competitive market environment for attracting fresh talent. Thus, the organization committed to a significant, long-term investment in leadership development by creating a program known as the Okuma Strategic Leadership Experience.
In collaboration with the Center for Intentional Leadership, Okuma designed a self-awareness-based leadership program aimed at developing key leadership capabilities in top talent and emerging leaders.
The Okuma executive team identified high-potential employees who demonstrated the capability to become future leaders.
The selection criteria included:
- A minimum of six months in a leadership role
- Proven performance and a curiosity to advance
- A demonstrated commitment to ongoing development and an all-in mindset
Following an exhaustive selection process, seven individuals were nominated to join the first cohort of the Okuma Strategic Leadership Experience.
The 18-month program entails executive coaching, 360-degree feedback, a strategic team project and a capstone learning opportunity, all designed to challenge and develop the emerging leaders. The sessions guide participants through a structured process including one-on-one executive coaching, facilitated group conversations, robust assessments, an immersive, one-day experience and a strategic executive project with a cohort of peers.
Designed to Enhance Leadership Effectiveness
Key focus areas are addressed in a series of monthly sessions, aimed at developing knowledge and skills that enhance leadership effectiveness.
- Emotional intelligence
- Leading change
- Strategic thinking
- Partnership and collaboration
- Enterprise perspective
- Communication
- Influence
- Executive presence
Unique Capstone Experience
The program culminates with the capstone experience — an in-person visit to the company’s global headquarters in Japan where participants engage in presentations to company leaders and collaborate with colleagues and peers. This visit by the entire group represents a significant investment and makes the program unique by incorporating hands-on experience that contributes to personal and professional growth.
Shared Purpose and Values
One of the other areas job candidates look for in a prospective employer is a shared sense of purpose and values, and Okuma works extensively to communicate and support the company’s value system. The mission statement, “We passionately pursue a customer for life,” represents a commitment to consistently delivering exceptional service and experiences for customers, and prioritizing employees is essential to achieving this goal. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more motivated to extend the same level of care to customers.
This philosophy, while straightforward, is often challenging for companies to implement due to perceived constraints such as time, budget, and resources. However, investing in employees is essential as it directly influences capacity to retain top talent. To foster a motivated and productive workforce, companies that invest in employees’ futures will reap the rewards.
Leadership Roles of the Future
As part of Okuma’s long-term investment and commitment to this program, new groups will be formed for the Strategic Leadership Experience every two years. The goal is to continuously identify emerging leaders within the company and give them the training and tools needed to step into the leadership roles of the future.
