Welcome to Fenton place
Case Studies
The challenge
TalkTalk wanted to improve leadership effectiveness, driving an increase in leadership standards across the organisation. They were also keen to change individual’s mindset – from adhoc leadership interventions to ongoing and regular leadership professional development. We were tasked with providing a clearly defined leadership strategy and programme which would shift from ‘Followship’ to ‘Human Centred Leadership’ in a VUCA environment (Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, Ambiguous) – where change is a constant.
The solution
We devised a strategy of right solution, right people, right time and in doing so approached leadership development differently at TalkTalk. Historically, leadership development had been business focused, for example what development leaders were seeking versus what we were offering. Instead, we delivered a leadership development brand of ‘Leading with Every Fibre’ that aimed to bring customers and leaders together. Leadership expectations were set aligned to the company values. We consulted with leaders on barriers to learning and the practical support they needed to do their job more effectively. We brought leaders together in Leadership Hive Sessions where leaders supported peers and other leaders from across the business in active learning sets to solve common problems. We remained agile with ever changing business needs versus setting out a 12-month programme. This allowed us to test, iterate and learn for improved results. We created and collaborated with a Leadership Taskforce that helped steer and market the learning interventions.
We constantly referred back to what we were trying to achieve as a business and the business context. During which we also rolled out Objectives and Key Results (OKR’s) goal setting methodology to ensure leaders knew what was expected of them and could see how it contributed to the team, department or organisational goals. We have also had Wellbeing and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion running as a theme of everything we do.
But it needed to be simple and convenient and frictionless for Leaders to sign up and get involved. So we created an automated sign-up processes with the use of an app that pre-populated leader’s diary with sessions, and easy access to any additional materials online.
Over the period, the programme was designed and delivered addressing a range of cohorts including aspiring leaders, new leaders, experienced leaders and senior leaders.
The results
Designed, delivered and adapted a successful two-year leadership programme roll-out. Over the period, TalkTalk received record-breaking internal results – achieving its highest eNPS score of +51 with colleagues recommending TalkTalk as a place to work. More specifically, colleagues felt supported by their line manager (+76 eNPS, top 5% of Tech companies using Peakon) and have been clear in terms of what they need to achieve including clear goaling setting (+62 eNPS, top 10% of Tech companies using Peakon). Been awarded 9th most Inclusive Company in the UK.
People leaders are now well equipped to lead better as the organisation de-merges into three separate businesses rather than ‘follow’ instructions from senior leaders on what to execute.
“Ongoing development of leaders has been very important to me and my team here at TalkTalk. This programme of works has delivered demonstratable impact and our leadership community is much stronger for it.”
Tristia Harrison, CEO, TalkTalk.
Testimonials
Thank you for your elegant support of all of us at our away morning. Having a morning so well planned and managed between yourself and Damien working well together was of great value to us all. I personally found it really helpful to take a while to assess my mojo and think how this impacts on both me as me, me as a team member and me in a specific job role. You enabled us all to have a voice around the room and feel listened too and you were as ever perceptive to both individual and group dynamics and needs of us all. You see, and reminded us, the positive impact that we have on those we care for – having time away from the office facilitated by Fenton Place refuelled us to continue to provide the best care possible both to colleagues and patients and relatives.
Dr Liz O’Brien, Consultant in Palliative Medicine
Manchester Macmillan Supportive & Palliative Care Service – North Locality
Manchester Local Care Organisation
Thank you for your contribution to the Festival of Wellness. As a result of your support the students had a vast array of interesting and stimulating sessions – as always we know we can rely on you. We have already had lots of positive feedback on the week and that is down to the quality of our contributors. Many thanks again for your support and high level input – it is very much appreciated”
Professor Gary Pritchard. Chief Academic Officer, UA92
“Working with Lee as my executive coach, made me think what type of leader I want to be, and build a plan towards that.”
Eliza Vlachou, CEO, Broadband Genie
“Fenton Place expertly supported the launch of our new leadership team. By creating a safe space for managers to connect as people – based on shared values, challenges and aspirations – they enabled the team to quickly bond and thereby establish a human connection, that will be a much strong foundation than any titles or terms of refence could’ve achieved. It was great to work with Fenton Place, as they took the time in advance to understand the unique context of our organisation and came up with different approaches that we could adopt. I would be blessed to work with them again, and deeply valued their impact.”
Mike Ruiter, Interim CEO, Rochdale & District Mind
What people are saying about Lee Rogers at Fenton Place
A passion for Leadership development
It’s been a pleasure to work with Lee over the last few years in the Talent team at TalkTalk. It’s been amazing to see how he’s flourished and found his passion in leadership development and more specifically coaching. He’s a very empathetic leader and is driven by purpose.
Sam Davys, MBE
Equality and Future Talent Manager at TalkTalk, Trustee at Rochdale District Mind
Rich experiences
I have been fortunate to have worked with Lee for several years and he is an extremely effective developer of people. He gets a number of things consistently right: Great listener – really picks up on all the little things as well as wider themes. Very good questioner, from gently probing through to robustly challenging. Developing his own knowledge, re-examining his own understanding of human performance and development. Applying his rich experiences, knowledge and understanding to promote effective and lasting development for people, both personally and professionally.
Jonathan Hook
Director of Learning Programmes. CHX Performance
Dedicated to team effectiveness
Lee’s dedication to coaching, developing, and mentoring my team along with our leadership team has significantly advanced careers. His positive attitude and growth mindset truly set him apart from others. I highly recommend Lee if you’re seeking a charismatic, energetic, and value-added individual to enhance and develop a winning formula for your organisation.
Bhavesh Panchal
Head of Channels and Digital Adoption, TalkTalk
Very engaging
I enjoyed working with Lee… He’s highly passionate about mental health, wellbeing, leadership and overall performance with a good balance in using both data and instinct on making decisions and taking action. He’s great on his feet, very engaging and able to facilitate within audiences at all levels. He’s an excellent team member as he’s always there to help and see things with a fresh perspective.’
Louisa Fryer
Head of Leadership, Culture and Talent
One of the good guys…
Lee is one of the good guys, it’s not a job for Lee it’s a vocation. He thrives on helping, developing, supporting people in all aspects of their professional careers and personal lives. I couldn’t recommend Lee enough with words within a post. He is a very passionate, personable, and professional role model within driving performance and a leader within the talent arena.
Dean Cunningham
Head of Strategic Delivery and Readiness, TalkTalk Wholesale
A real expert…
Lee is a fantastic coach and trainer, having been personally coached by him and seen the impact he has had on members of my team and the wider TT community, I thoroughly recommend him and the work he does. Lee has enabled people who were stuck and unable to see a way to make their next step, transform and make multiple steps, as well as be the person who can help you polish a skill or tune your performance in a 15 minute chat. A real expert at what he does.
Rory Mitchell, MBA CMgr, FCMI Transformation Delivery Manager, TalkTalk
Lorem
So engaging!
“We arrived as a tired team. Everyone had different expectations of what the morning would be like. But as I looked round, I found every single person engaging, listening. They all participated, all shared, and all left with something slightly different from the session. For me, it was recognising that my work self and my own self are intricately entwined. It was recognising that my own ability to do my job to the best of my ability and to work as part of a high functioning team, relies on me looking at myself and my own needs as well. Lee and Damien, you were both so engaging, non-threatening and yet solidly real. You really did get the best from us, and we all benefited because of it.”
Dr Lindy Brooks Consultant in Palliative Medicine
Lorem
We came away with action plans…
“I’d like to thank you for the recent training session you did for us on ‘Unlocking Performance’. The sessions were very well received by our staff and we have received positive feedback, we came away from the day with action plans to develop our staff at all levels with new understanding and insight. Once again, thanks for taking the time to facilitate our much needed Away Day. We have recommended you to our partner organisations.”
Alicia Waite
MacMillan Pallative Care Service Manager
Lorem
Passionate & committed
Lee is a very passionate and committed L&D professional who is great at building relationships and not afraid to challenge the norm. Not phased by complex situations Lee loves to take on new challenges and enjoys working with others to create the best solutions possible. He has a heart of gold and is a credit to his industry and his network.
Richard Flood
Director, Talent Development, Liverpool Football Club
Fenton Place Ltd 