Background:
This blue-chip retail supermarket chain, wanted to support line-managers through strategic change and chose ‘Ask Max’ to provide e-mentoring support.
Challenge:
A trail product in 1999., ‘Ask Max’ had to be proven to work.
Solution:
A three month trial was agreed to:
- Support managers
- Enable managers to off-load ‘baggage’ and get on with the job
- Classify ‘issues’ and collate statistics
- Provide a report on the main problems facing managers with ‘independent’ authority
Outcomes:
The initial trial was extended due to its success. Research findings were published (McLeod in Virtual Coach, Virtual Mentor) and the report provided management with a hit-list of issues to enable L&D to tailor provision to suit actual, rather than perceived, needs.