From Time-Poor to Impact-Rich
How a Talent Development team leveled-up their impact with strategy
Sobeys Inc. is a leading Canadian retailer that employs over 130,000 teammates across the country.
Their Talent Development team is a small group of highly knowledgeable and passionate humans who support the growth and development of all employees through inclusive programs that empower them to reach their full potential, while maximizing the impact on company objectives.
The Challenge
The team faced the daunting task of communicating the value and impact of their programs to over 130,000 employees and numerous stakeholders.
The complexity and technical nature of the programs, coupled with the need for buy-in from various business units was a job in itself. Moreover, aligning these efforts with the company’s overall business goals necessitated a clear, strategic perspective.
The result was an overwhelmed team, devoting an excessive amount of time to preparing extensive communications instead of focusing on their primary skills and interests.
We’re a small team. But we need to be able to move the needle and move it fast.
The Need for Change
Jackie Usher, Director Talent Development recognized that if she wanted her team to stay in their zone of geniuses, they’d need support with the creative side of things.
She had worked with other creative agencies before, but the communication style and workflow felt heavy and laboured.
They needed a partner—someone who would take the time to understand their long and short term goals, challenge and elevate their ideas, and execute swiftly.
The Process
We took the time upfront to take a deep dive into their world and articulate their ‘why’:
‘We exist to identify and support the growth of all teammates by designing inclusive programs that empower them to reach their full potential at Sobeys while maximizing impact on company objectives. We collaborate to systemise and elevate the employee experience.’
We became (and still are) their out-of-house-in-house brand team. No need for lengthy creative briefs, account manager middle-people, and long turnaround times. We act like an extension of their team, focused on keeping all guides, presentations, communications, and channels on-brand, human-centric, and impactful.
From strategy, to project planning, messaging, design, channel recommendations, stakeholder management, marketing and promoting—we’re there to help.
Not a day goes by that Bekki does not come up.
Thank you for helping us raise the bar, we are excited to continue our partnerships in 2023. I know having you by their side really encourages the team to think differently and alleviates so much of their day to day stress as well as they have such a great support network around them with you and your team.
The Results
- A huge amount of time returned to them
- Excitement from the team because of the positive response to their work
- Relief–problems were being solved and real progress made against goals
- Increased productivity
Just this year they launched a huge new personal and professional growth resource called ‘My Journey’, which we were so proud to be a part of.
Having accomplished this work together, I think that nothing is impossible for us.
Let's Connect
What could you and your team accomplish if you had some time back, and a reliable creative partner?
Send us a message or book a free call to find out.
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