You can get wired, wireless, data centre and security solutions from Telus Corp. Now you can also get leadership training.
The carrier said Wednesday it has opened a Transformation Office, a consulting division to help large organizations improve their management and technology.
Staff will consult and train businesses in leadership and culture, digital readiness and connected learning, career and talent services, onboarding and induction of new staff, and flexible work styles. A series of half-day workshops are offered as well as more intensive customized consulting sessions.
“In today’s competitive business environment, a strong organizational culture can be a company’s most powerful and sustainable source of competitive advantage because it drives employee engagement, customer satisfaction and financial results,” Dan Pontefract, chief envisioner of the Transformation Office.
“While there are a number of organizations that offer organizational consulting, we not only offer firsthand experience, having successfully progressed through our own transformation, but we also combine leadership consulting with technology to drive very compelling businesses results.”
Telus believes it’s in a position to offer consulting on leadership because of high employee approval scores, its push to have a substantial number of employees work from home and its financial results.
The idea came after several corporate clients asked to learn about its internal transformation. After three pilot projects with Loblaw Companies Ltd., the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and manufacturer Cameco the official program was launched.
Last month Pontefract said the carrier will fund a masters in leadership and strategy degree for its own managers. “We looked around and saw we have really neat programs aimed at new team members, new leaders and high performers, and we thought wouldn’t it be neat … to align ourselves with an academic institution — or, potentially, two — and deliver a master’s program.”
Initially it will be only for senior management, he said, but it could be broadened to other staff later and possibly to customers”who are interested in the Telus [TSX:T] leadership and strategy way.”
A request for proposals from six Canadian universities has been issued to fashion a program around culture and leadership, strategic planning and management, driving change, resiliency and financial management.
He emphasized that the winning program would have to use Telus’ leadership philosophy and culture with its expertise. In addition, the course delivery will be a combination of formal in-class and online sessions.