Flybe - Empowering staff across the Board

HOW does the Rock the Boat philosophy translate into action?  For the UK’s Number One Domestic airline, Flybe, using Rock the Boat’s facilitators and coaches has helped to transform the way its middle managers operate.

“After the acquisition of BA Connect in 2007 Flybe faced the enormous challenge of integrating managerial staff from both organisations and establishing consistency, best practice and a single culture across the company. “Many pockets of excellence existed within Flybe and the airline wanted to extend these and raise the bar across all areas of leadership performance to manage this dramatic growth,” he said. “For example, Flybe wanted to empower middle managers with more decision-making and to take greater ownership of issues; and the senior team was keen to ensure that managers were given the proper support to develop the skills and the confidence required to make this a reality.”

The airline employs more than 3,000 staff across its regional bases and has its head office at Exeter International Airport. With pilots, engineers, cabin crew and ground services spread across 14 bases throughout the UK, managers needed the skills to deal with situations remotely.

The 12-month ‘Flybe Leader’ programme has provided them with the tools and techniques to enhance managerial performance. The programme was sponsored by the Flybe Operating Board, and Rock the Boat consultants worked with key influencers within the business, including HR, to create a bespoke programme, which is delivering exceptional results.

The middle management team’s internal network has been strengthened to work more consistently across what is a very diversely skilled organisation. An added bonus has been a reduction in sickness absence and staff turnover and, with more decisions now able to be taken more effectively by middle management, those at senior level have been freed up to better optimise their time.

Overall the ‘Flybe Leader’ programme has helped to invigorate the middle management team by increasing their confidence and overall performance.