United Utilities (Graduate Programme)
The Need
Each year United Utilities brings together a cohort of recently employed graduates
from around the world. These individuals have been chosen for their growth potential.
United Utilities asked us to work with the group to bring them together in a shared
experience that would cross cultural boundaries.
The Solution
As part of a week long programme run by United Utilities, we delivered the final
workshop.
The opening question asked the delegates to look at company issues / opportunities
from the perspective of sustainable development. The core of the workshop utilise
the Planit-Sustainability learning simulation. Finally we concluded with an exercise
based on Jim Collins’ Hedgehog Concept. We asked the graduates:
- What can you be the best in United Utilities at?
- What do you do that adds most to United Utilities’ bottom line?
- What are you deeply passionate about?
Outcomes
- The group was brought together around a common commitment that provided a good reason
to keep in touch.
- The workshop gave the delegates a holistic understanding of the company from the
perspective of sustainable development.
- The workshop identified personal strengths and potential. In particular, the learning
simulation enables behaviours to be observed. Quickly delegates immerse themselves
in their designated roles, which enables qualities such as collaborative working,
joined up thinking, negotiation skills, leadership and strategic thinking.