The old order isn’t coming back, traditional leadership development is not enough…
Igniting Early Career Professionals Through an Innovation Sprint
The Challenge
FROM BUSINESS AS USUAL TO RISING ABOVE THE PACK
A top ten advisory tax and assurance firm knew that if they stuck with “business as usual,” they would not be able to match and outlast their competitors. With the industry facing a reduced number of CPA graduates and a very competitive market for talent, they knew they needed a strategy to hold onto and develop their high potential associates. If they could invest in them early and invite them to think differently, the firm would have a better shot of rising above the pack. The firm wanted these professionals, even in their first three years, to look at any business process and think: “We can get better at this.”
Our Solution
Ei partnered closely with the firm’s Learning & Innovation teams to design and lead an annual cohort program for high potential associates. Through a combination of virtual sessions and a 1-week in-person intensive, these associates conducted a rigorous innovation sprint, learning how to evaluate and right-size problems, brainstorm novel solutions, and build and test prototypes. The program culminated in the associates presenting their innovations to an Innovation Board of senior leaders who selected eight winning innovations that the firm pursued. The unique program structure enabled associates to deepen their ties to each other and senior leaders, resulting in an increased connection to the firm mission and a sense of belonging.
Outcomes
- 2x higher than firm average: how participants ranked the firm as a great place to work
- 92% of participants felt the firm was invested in their growth & development
- 91% believe the program improved their core innovation skills
- 92% now encourage their peers to seek opportunities to engage in firm innovation efforts
- 87K estimated impressions generated from 33 participants' social media posts
Those professionals who participated in the program had a 15% higher retention rate after two years than their peers.
"We spend a lot of time early in a professional’s career teaching them the how, not the why. Having that inquisitive point of view worked into their fabric now will make them better leaders in the organization."
- Firm Leader
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