Cheryl - a senior manager in local government
The Situation
I was already familiar with the work of OPAL Consulting, and following a long term sickness when looking for both support and confidence to get back to work, I started to work with OPAL on a regular basis.
How OPAL helped
Achieving an NVQ Level 5 in Operational Management came out of this work. The NVQ format was great - as it focuses on real work situations and isn't overloaded by theory - you just use the theory that suits your situation.
Doing the NVQ with OPAL was also first rate - I had started it with another organisation but found the unique OPAL focus on 'Improvements' - that is improving your current working practices and easing them into 'best practice' - was far more rewarding both for me and my organisation.
I made significant improvements in the way that I managed my team, and how I delegated and monitored work. It also gave me a greater focus on health and safety. The experience boosted my confidence significantly. I discovered a lot of things that I already did were good - indeed best practice - and as I introduced change and got feedback, I grew in confidence and ability.
OPAL Consulting also helped me to develop a focus on Work/Life balance - not just the theory but they almost forced me to put that good advice into practice! This work resulted in me taking a more balanced approach to work, issues became non-personal, and I was therefore able to take an objective problem solving approach to them.
The Outcome
Since achieving my NVQ I have taken up a secondment to project manage a restructuring of the function - this has improved my profile within the Directorate (everyone knows me now!) and also within the Council and the Unions.
I have received considerable praise for my contributions to the change process and taken every opportunity to draw on the theory of change to help the process. From 1st April I will be heading up a new Programme and Change Team and will be providing a service for the whole of the Council, not just my Directorate. Without OPAL's help I am certain this wouldn't have happened!