Airbus and Outward Bound - Early Talent Development

Business need:

Airbus wanted to equip their future leaders with the behaviours, attitudes and self-awareness needed to meet the demand for high performing individuals in the organisation.

The programme needed to help the graduates to fast track their personal growth and become more effective more quickly. Future career success will also be supported through an ability to interpret and align their strengths to the Airbus Values and Leadership Model.

 

We developed a high impact behavioural development module, co-designed as part of the Airbus graduate programme to effectively build the skills graduates will need in their career.

Effectively builds networks

Fast tracks personal growth

Embeds Airbus values

Develops leadership skills

Builds self discovery and development areas

 

How we did it:

An Outward Bound intervention has been a longstanding element of Airbus’ graduate development programme. Our partnership approach has embedded the programme within the graduates overall journey, evolving as times and business need change. At the heart is a focus on behavioural competencies, Airbus Values and Leadership Model. Graduates are also supported to align outcomes to their future career beyond the graduate development programme.

The intensity of outdoor learning and the residential experience builds networking and camaraderie in a way that can’t easily be replicated in a hybrid working environment. The graduates learn to take care of the engagement of the team, ensuring a sense of purpose which can be hard to build when they are dispersed throughout the business.

The learning environment at Outward Bound also allows graduates a unique place to develop transferable skills. The project management required to complete the learning journey is one. Learning by failing is another. For many graduates, this is the first time they’ve been in a safe space to try something new, to fail and to regroup. This is a key attribute required for leaders, and learning through adventure allows a consequential, memorable and yet safe space to develop this skill.

 

The results:

88% increased self-awareness

78%increased awareness of Airbus values

93% increased ability to respond to challenge and feedback