High-Flying Auditors.

A prominent audit firm moved a group of high-potential senior managers to its national office for intensive, on-the-job technical training. Typical of millennial employees, the program participants expressed concern that while they had an amazing opportunity to develop their technical expertise, they were missing out on a chance to develop other critical skills needed for account management and senior leadership roles.

The partner responsible for the program asked Centauric to design a complementary development program to target non-technical skills for these high flyers.

Centauric began by meeting with the participants and asking them what they thought they were missing. We sent them out to meet with senior leaders and experienced account managers to identify success factors. The interviews fueled a dialogue about their strengths and weaknesses and what kind of assistance they needed.

We then designed a year-long program aimed at building self-awareness, refining emotional intelligence, managing personal brand, establishing and maintaining effective networks and enhancing business savvy. Our approach involved data-driven dialogue, on-the-job assignments, individual coaching, group discussions and the engaging of senior partners in providing insights and guidance. We were light on theory and heavy on concrete action and personal feedback.

The program was refined with participant input and has run for the past three years. Its impact has been significant in generating participant engagement with the firm, team functioning at national office, satisfaction with career choices and effectiveness in personal career management. Firm leaders report that participants demonstrate increased self-confidence and capability in dealing with senior executives. Every participant in the first cohort has been admitted into the partnership.