VINCI Construction at the heart of a transformative experience
Training programs aimed at improving managers' skills are abundant. Those that truly achieve this goal and crate significant shifts in practices are much rarer. By making the group fully active participants in the process, Vinci Construction has developed an impactful and sustainable training program. Testimonial from Aurélie Mottier, Director of Human Resources.
HR managers are undoubtedly among those who, in recent years, have faced the most new challenges. There is a need to thoroughly rethink existing visions, tools, and processes. As a major player in the field of transport infrastructure, buildings, and urban networks, Vinci Construction and its Deconstruction and Road Equipment divisions, represented by brands such as Cardem and Signature, are working to explore all areas for improvement. "In 2021, we identified potential for improvement in the managerial dimension," illustrate Aurélie Mottier, Director of Human Resources. "Often alone in their roles of managers, our senior executives had already attended various managerial training programs throughout their careers. The challenge for us now was to pool the acquired skills while managing the heterogeneity and the increasing diversity of teams."
A significant challenge considering the target scope includes 20 Business Units led by directors, each managing 100 to 250 employees with the support of 3 to 10 managers.
Involving all hierarchical levels
This observation gave rise to the project of deploying a training program unlike any other. For Vinci Construction's Deconstruction and Road Equipement divisions, duplicating what is done in other companies was out of the question. "We wanted this training program to adapt to the needs of our managers and to provide each of them with operational tools to transform thier approaches and perform better on daily basis," confirms the HR Director. Beyond the desire for a tailor-made approach, the company alos emphasizes two other key principles. The first is to play the collective card by involving all hierarchical levels (Executive Management, Regional Directos, and Business Unit Directors). The second is to make managers the true players in their skills development.
Mirror evaluations: a good reflection of practices!
With these strong convictions and driven by Quaternaier Formation, 22 senior executives from Vinci Construction embarked on the co-construction of this program in the spring of 2022. Following a five-step methodology, the first step was to precisely define the target: what does senior management expect from a Business Unite director in terms of management? The second step was to best qualify existing managerial practices through active listening to the "real life" in the field and its players.
"These initial steps were conducted based on a competency framework from wich managers were invited to self-assess," recalls Aurélie Mottier. "We also implemented mirror evaluations with their direct supervisors to share common visions around this framework and set individual goals to establish personalized learning."
By identifying where to focus the training efforts, these initial audit phases were followed by the development of the managerial skills development program. Designed to bring all involved manager to a uniform level of excellence while addressing individual needs, the resulting program includes a shared foundation of fundamentals:
- The manager's equation: performance and well-being
- Using feedback to ensure skills development
- Improving team communication...
To this foundation, wich is the subject of a 3-day workshop, are added a number of optional modules.
These 80% of practice make all the difference!
Although the launch of the new program is recent, the results have quickly become evident. Increased practice with feedback, new managerial approaches, and better management of difficult relational situations… are just a few of the areas where managers have already received training, with the goal of deploying these skills to their direct reports throughout 2023. Observable improvements are now being seen in terms of team performance and well-being.
For the HR Director of the Deconstruction and Road Equipment division at Vinci Construction, these advancements are notably due to the choice of a distinctive pedagogical approach combining 20% theory and 80% practice. “In addition to the trainer’s ability to challenge participants throughout the skills development process, the approach relied on numerous practical cases, simulations, and experience-sharing opportunities conducive to synergies,” concludes Aurélie Mottier. “Aware of their friction points and potential to drive change, senior executives are now capitalizing on this momentum for greater collective efficiency.” Expanding this program to sector managers (direct reports) is now Vinci Construction's ambition.
Focus on the 'Leader' training
I now adopt a different way of being a manager
Éric Corbière, Activity Director at the Deconstruction Agency of Cardem Alpes Méditerranée
"Although I have over 30 years of experience within the company and have had the opportunity to attend numerous training sessions, including some on management, the Leader training is certainly the most impactful. It truly reveals the knowledge we possess but might not always apply effectively, and highlights shortcomings in our managerial practices and approaches. With a structured and inspiring methodology, drawing its strength from simulations, candid peer exchanges, and top-notch organization by the Quaternaire trainer.
Allowing me to enhance and approach management differently in relation to my teams, I now adopt a different way of being a manager, of being perceived as such, and, more broadly, of tackling daily issues. Furthermore, when faced with situations already experienced in training, we correct them immediately. This is proof, if any were needed, that this program leaves a lasting impact.”
VINCI Construction
- Activity: Construction of transportation infrastructure and urban development
- Implantation : 1,300 companies, in over 100 coutries
- Number: 115,000 employees
- Turnover: €26.3 billion in 2021
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