Transforming an IT Division Into a Unified Leadership Team

Our client’s Information Technology division played a critical role in supporting the institution’s academic, research, and administrative functions. While the division was home to highly capable leaders and technical experts, leadership largely operated within individual portfolios rather than as a unified leadership team.

As technology became increasingly central to our client’s strategic priorities, the division acknowledged that stronger collaboration, greater leadership consistency, and a more intentional culture would be essential to delivering on its mandate.

Through a year-long Leadership Studio engagement, the division worked with us to strengthen its leadership capability, create alignment across leadership levels, and build a more connected and engaged IT division.

• How do we move from a collection of independent leaders to one aligned leadership team?
• How do we create greater consistency in leadership across multiple technical functions?
• How do we equip managers to confidently lead people, not just technology?
• How do we strengthen communication and collaboration across the division?
• How do we increase employee engagement while navigating constant technological and organizational change?
• How do we create leadership practices that are sustainable long after the engagement concludes?

We designed a comprehensive Leadership Studio journey that developed leadership at every level of the division while reinforcing a shared culture and leadership philosophy.

The engagement began with the executive leadership team completing our CORE Leadership program, aligning senior leaders around their leadership expectations, strategic priorities, and the behaviours required to lead as one team.

Managers participated in our Five Foundations program, developing practical leadership skills in communication, accountability, coaching, performance, and team development while establishing a common leadership language across the division.

To ensure leadership development extended beyond formal leaders, we also partnered with the broader functional unit through employee engagement initiatives that created opportunities for dialogue, feedback, and shared ownership of the division’s culture.

Throughout the year, we:

• Facilitated the CORE Leadership program with the executive team to strengthen alignment and collective leadership.
• Delivered the Five Foundations leadership program for managers.
• Created a shared leadership framework connecting executives and managers through common expectations and language.
• Held employee engagement sessions across the division to strengthen trust, communication, and collaboration.
• Supported leaders in applying new leadership practices to real organizational opportunities and challenges. 
• Reinforced learning through ongoing coaching, reflection, and practical application throughout the engagement.

Through the Leadership Studio program, the IT division:

• Strengthened alignment across the executive leadership team.
• Shifted from operating as individual functional leaders to leading as one cohesive leadership team.
• Increased leadership confidence and consistency among managers.
• Established a common leadership language across the division.
• Improved collaboration across technical teams and portfolios.
• Increased employee engagement by creating greater opportunities for participation and dialogue.
• Built a sustainable leadership foundation that continues to support collaboration, innovation, and organizational effectiveness.