In the ever-evolving corporate landscape, the importance of robust leadership development programs cannot be overstated. At the forefront of this crucial endeavor is Jennifer Butler, the director of leadership development at Elevance Health. With over 25 years of experience in talent development and leadership, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to her role. In a recent episode of the Talent Development Think Tank podcast, hosted by Andy Storch, Jennifer shared valuable insights into the innovative leadership development programs at Elevance Health. Here is an inside look at their approach, as discussed during the podcast episode.

Comprehensive Program Breakdown

Elevance Health offers a well-structured leadership development portfolio that caters to various levels within the organization. These programs are designed meticulously to provide live events, virtual sessions, and small group coaching for high potentials and executives alike. For instance, their manager program includes learning modules, small group coaching, and a project focused on understanding the company's value chain. The executive program features a blend of virtual small group coaching, one-on-one coaching, live sessions, and a community-based action learning project. This multi-faceted approach ensures that every participant receives a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Infusing Adventure into Learning

A unique aspect of Elevance Health's leadership development programs is the infusion of adventure. Jennifer explains that incorporating adventure elements encourages personal growth and enriches the learning process. This innovative approach not only engages participants in a more dynamic manner but also promotes experiential learning, allowing leaders to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jennifer emphasizes the significance of connecting leadership development programs to the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mission. At Elevance Health, ensuring equal opportunities for leaders from diverse backgrounds is paramount. By incorporating DEI principles into their programs, they foster an inclusive environment where all leaders can thrive.

Leveraging Internal and External Expertise

To develop and implement their leadership programs, Elevance Health adopts a hybrid approach. While they utilize internal resources for the manager program, they also bring in external expertise for the executive program. Jennifer details the meticulous process of evaluating and selecting providers, which involved requesting proposals from 13 different providers and involving a steering committee in the decision-making process. This combination of internal and external insights ensures that the programs are cohesive, comprehensive, and aligned with the organization's strategic goals.

Measurement and Evaluation

Assessing the impact of leadership programs is crucial for continuous improvement. At Elevance Health, a measurement strategy has been implemented to track and assess the leadership portfolio. Jennifer highlights the use of the success case method and evaluating on-the-job application of learning to measure program outcomes. Participants have shown improved performance and strategic engagement post-program, indicating the effectiveness of these leadership development initiatives.

Personal Growth and Business Acumen

Jennifer shares her personal journey and the importance of gaining business experience for a career in talent development or HR. She encourages professionals to seek opportunities to shadow, attend meetings, and understand the operational aspects of the organization. Understanding the value chain and developing business acumen are essential for effectively engaging with the business and driving impactful change.

Community and Collaboration

A crucial element of Elevance Health's leadership development programs is fostering a sense of community among participants. Through initiatives like the speaker series featuring disruptive voices and community-based action learning projects, participants can share their experiences, learn from diverse perspectives, and build a supportive network within the organization.

The leadership development programs at Elevance Health, spearheaded by Jennifer Butler, exemplify a well-rounded and strategic approach to nurturing future leaders. By combining live events, virtual sessions, small group coaching, and experiential learning, they create an enriching environment for personal and professional growth. The integration of DEI principles, a hybrid approach to program development, and a robust measurement strategy further enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives. As organizations look to develop their leadership pipelines, the insights shared by Jennifer Butler offer valuable guidance and inspiration for creating impactful leadership development programs.