KESTA - a Succession Program for Middle Managers in the Civil Service

Goal

Change Partners conducted a Leadership Succession Program for middle managers in the Estonian civil service. It was an innovative and practical development program for ambitious first-level leaders. KESTA program provided a cooperation network, new knowledge and tools, and experience needed to succeed in leadership roles. The program aimed to help ensure the strong future growth of middle managers for the Estonian state. And to increase the readiness and confidence of the participants to accept the role associated with higher management responsibilities in the future.

Our solution

We developed and implemented a comprehensive leadership development program for four groups.

The program consisted of 6 modules:

Module I - A modern and forward-looking leader in the public sector

Module II - Leader as a good self-leader and developer

Module III - The leader as a designer and innovator of the field

Module IV - The leader as a human and team developer

Module V - The leader as a representative, negotiator, influencer, and spokesperson of the field

Module VI - Planning for change projects, visits to companies, and final seminar

The program was supported by various activities to enhance what has been learned: manager's tools, planning and implementation of a change project, work shadowing, group coaching, visits to companies with innovative management, individual development map, etc.

Results

Numbers from the KESTA program that took place in 2018-2020:

It was decided to order the program for 6 more groups. In 2021-2023, a total of 140 managers will participate in the program.

Feedback

"Super trainers and examples from life itself!" - Agriculture and Food Board "A significant increase in self-awareness, I use the knowledge gained almost daily." - Ministry of the Interior "A very diverse and interesting program. A lot has been done within the course, but the main work is still ahead - with the help of a whole suitcase full of tools!" - Police and Border Guard Board "I believe my leadership and management style has changed, it's more informed, more strategic, and broader in perspective. I feel like I grew as a person which helped me grow as a leader." - Social Insurance Board "The topics covered in the course have given me more confidence and expanded my skills to cope with different situations. The tools that have been shared have been very practical and easy to incorporate into my work." - State Chancellery