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IBM

What

This case study is about IBM’s development programme for its high potential women. The programme, named Blue Talent, is designed to strengthen the company’s pipeline of women leaders moving through to Executive level. The programme runs over the course of 12 - 18 months and empowers individuals to manage their own careers. It consists of many different elements which together form a powerful and insightful programme. It includes education, executive shadowing, coaching sessions and networking opportunities. Through the programme women build
powerful personal networks which provide support and help to develop insight and connectivity across the business. The progress and advancement of women is monitored throughout the length of the programme and tracked once they have departed Blue Talent. Participants go on to form an alumni which provides ongoing support for the group and also for the new intake of Blue Talent women.

Why

Blue Talent is designed to strengthen the Pipeline of women leaders moving up through the organisation to Executive level. By developing the skills, capabilities and confidence of its women it is better able to retain talent within the company and meet business needs. The programme is also designed to create mentors, role models and networks that not only share their learning and ideas, but also help to reinforce a positive image of women in the business. IBM was keen to ensure that this programme was a sustainable long-term initiative which would ultimately build a positive culture for all.

How

The programme has extensive leadership support and commitment. IBM’s leadership team dedicate significant amounts of time to the executive shadowing and its General Manager has hosted round table discussions. Women are nominated for the programme by their business leader; in practical terms this means giving support, time and budget. The programme utilises a combination of external training, opportunities to work with senior executives and coaching sessions to enable personal growth and learning. For example, the Building Relationships and influencing course utilises video analysis and peer feedback to assist the women in understanding their own personal influencing style. Participants also receive individual career coaching sessions with a professional coach. The programme also includes roundtables with both internal and
external speakers.

IBM
Networking and Development Programme
Contact: Louise Marshman,
UK Diversity & Inclusion Programme Manager
Email: marshman@uk.ibm.com

A number of participants have been promoted since joining Blue Talent and the programme has also helped retain the women.
The programme has widened individual’s networks thereby improving everyday effectiveness and connectivity across the organisation.
The Blue Talent programme for women has been recognised as a key initiative in talent management and has now been rolled out to IBM’s Ethnic Minority talent pool too.