My first global change project was to design training programs for a ‘Value Based Management’ cultural initiative. The first module was called ‘Introduction to Value Based Management, which was a one-day condensed version of the global three-day program.
I partnered with Motts North America that was keen to roll-out the shorter program to all employees. My design partner was the Senior Vice President of Strategy, who was accountable for embedding value based management into the business. She was an ideal partner: smart, creative, organized, dedicated and hardworking. She was also a perfectionist. After meeting her I set a personal objective to be as perfect as she was.
The program launched globally after it successfully piloted at Motts. I and my team were co-ordinating the Canadian roll-out and I asked my design partner if she would facilitate the sessions. She gracefully accepted.
Knowing her high standards, we worked hard to make sure everything was perfect. The program was going as planned until we unpacked the award plaques for a case study challenge. Instead of saying “Value Creator” it said “Valve Creator.” I was devastated. When I confessed to my error she laughed harder than I had seen her laugh before. She also had a perfect sense of humour.
