State Workforce Development Agency
Building a Leadership Pipeline in the Public Sector
The Challenge
A state workforce development agency was facing a wave of retirements that would take 40% of its senior leadership within three years. There was no formal succession plan and no structured development pathway for mid-level managers.
Our Approach
We designed and delivered a 12-month emerging leaders cohort program for 18 mid-level managers. The program combined leadership assessments, peer coaching circles, individual development plans, and a capstone project tied to real agency priorities. We also facilitated a succession planning process with the executive team.
"We went from having no pipeline to having a bench we're genuinely confident in. The cohort changed how our managers see themselves as leaders."
Key Outcomes
- 18 managers completed the cohort with documented individual development plans
- 3 cohort participants promoted to senior leadership roles within 18 months
- Agency developed its first formal succession plan covering 12 critical positions
- Participant engagement scores increased 27% year-over-year