Thyssen Krupp Best4Best Young Performer Program


Challenge
ThyssenKrupp, one of the world’s biggest technology groups, had identified a series of strategic, high-impact improvement projects critical to the organization’s success. Because the projects required top-quality leadership, ThyssenKrupp identified a group of high-potential project managers, accountable for large, multimillion euro projects, to lead them.

ThyssenKrupp turned to Personnel Decisions International (PDI) to help develop an approach that would ensure the success of these projects and develop its high-potential project managers while gaining visibility and support from its executive board.

Solution
ThyssenKrupp partnered with PDI to develop the Best4Best Young Performer Program. Through consultation with key stakeholders, PDI created an integrated, module-based development program to help these high-potential project managers develop the skills they needed.

The program included:

  • 360-degree feedback to provide insight on development needs and priorities
  • Active Leader business-case simulation, an advanced leadership skills laboratory
  • Skill-based modules focused on skills needed to meet the strategic needs of the business, mainly in project management and leadership
  • Individual coaching with a PDI coach, working on development areas identified by the other modules
  • Time2Change®, a 360-degree tool that assesses the level of change in specific development areas
  • Presentations to peers, the board, and other relevant groups

The Best4Best program took place over a 12-month period and was delivered by PDI business coaches in off-site locations. At the end of the program, the HR team used the group report for Time2Change to create individual and group plans for continued development.

Result
The Best4Best program has realized significant business results for ThyssenKrupp. The number of successful projects has risen by about 20%, equating to increased revenues in excess of €20 million. The high-potential groups feel supported both internally and externally, and are discovering greater opportunities to advance their skills in managing large strategic projects.

Based on the success of the program, ThyssenKrupp chose to continue to offer Best4Best to its high potentials on an annual basis. In order to increase motivation and commitment to the program, PDI delivers yearly “get a taste” intake workshops for a group of preselected young performers. After the workshops, participants can choose whether to take part in the year-long Best4Best program.

Frank Fischer, Vice President of Human Resources, said:
“By participating in the Best4Best program and delivering successful projects, our leadership potentials gain high visibility at the board level. The demand for this leadership program has gone from national to regional, and we are now planning for the worldwide rollout.”