The Challenge
ASDA leaders were facing increased pressure to operate confidently and swiftly in a fast-changing environment. A training needs analysis (TNA) of ASDA’s top 1,000 leaders highlighted key areas for development, including:
- Leading in a D-VUCAD (Disruptive, Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous, and Diverse) world
- Managing volume and complexity
- Communicating a compelling vision for the future
- Engaging and inspiring teams
- Demonstrating digital leadership
- Driving leadership and continual improvement
To address these challenges, ASDA sought to redefine and simplify its approach to leadership by moving away from complex competency frameworks. Instead, they focused on articulating the key behavioural shifts expected from leaders, aligned with their core values (‘Being ASDA’). These new leadership standards, called ‘Leading Asda,’ outlined six key expectations for leadership behaviour across the organisation.
Recognising inconsistent investment in leadership development, ASDA made it a priority to build the capability, competence, and confidence of its leaders. The goal was to ensure they were equipped to lead effectively, with a renewed focus on making leadership development both impactful and cost-effective.
Innovation Central was asked to review the TNA and the ‘Leading Asda’ framework to create a strategy for launching and embedding these expectations in day-to-day business leadership.
The Solution
Innovation Central proposed the development of a ‘Leading Asda’ toolkit, designed to engage leaders across the organisation. This toolkit would enable the top 1,000 leaders and HR Business Partners (HRBPs) to deliver the programme to all managers, following an initial introduction during ASDA’s annual staff conference.
The toolkit was crafted in simple, conversational language, rebranding the six leadership behaviours as ‘expectations’ and integrating them seamlessly with ASDA’s core values (‘Being ASDA’). The launch materials focused on making these expectations relatable and actionable in daily leadership practices.
Key components of the ‘Leading Asda’ toolkit included:
- 90-Minute Launch Pack: An interactive, plug-and-play digital session designed to introduce the six leadership expectations and build confidence in applying them day-to-day.
- Supporting Resources: A range of interactive and user-friendly materials to sustain momentum post-launch. These included:
- Delivery 101s: A facilitator guide with best practices for delivering engaging sessions, aimed at building confidence in facilitators.
- Stickability: A resource for line managers and HRBPs to reinforce and apply the ‘Leading Asda’ expectations back in the workplace.
- Culture Creator: A creative exercise encouraging leaders to reflect on the culture they aim to build, supported by an action plan to embed new habits.
- Leading Asda Self-Assessment: A tool for individuals to assess their progress against the six expectations, with personal development planning ideas based on the 70:20:10 model.
- Leading Asda Team-Assessment: A team-focused version of the self-assessment, with action planning guidance for group development.
- Daily Impact Cards: High-quality coaching questions designed to spark meaningful conversations about the expectations in everyday work scenarios.
- Helping Hands: Practical tips and hints for embedding the six expectations into everyday leadership practices.
- High Fives: Feedback and recognition cards to celebrate colleagues demonstrating the expectations effectively.
- Team Talk: A printable and digital board game for teams to reflect on and apply the ‘Leading Asda’ expectations in various situations.
- Energy Boosters: A suite of fun, energising activities for use in huddles or team meetings, with five activities tailored to each expectation (30 activities in total).