AXA XL: Innovation Advocates Training
Challenge
AXA XL decided to refresh their future focus network by upskilling and engaging them via a 10 week innovation program.
The aims of the program were to empower employees to innovate, to enhance innovation skills, to increase employee engagement and to create a diverse group of advocates able to drive innovation in their business areas.
Solution
As part of the program, Ninety delivered several training interventions.
First, we delivered a series of small-group workshops on how to drive innovative ideas, using Ninety’s 123 FrameworkTM, to identify problem areas to fix, come up with innovative solutions, explore them effectively and reach a pass/fail decision. The size of the groups allowed us to explore a real problem area within the training and to work collaboratively on generating and testing solutions.
Later in the program, we delivered a series of workshops on how to facilitate innovation activities, in order to engage and encourage innovation mindsets in others. During the workshops, AXA XL employees learnt the fundamental principles of facilitation and practiced facilitation in small teams, receiving feedback from the Ninety team on how to further develop the skill.
Benefits
The core program benefit is that an increased number of trained innovators will lead to a cultural shift, where innovation becomes accessible to and understood by a larger number of staff members. Trainees are now collaborating in small working groups to execute on innovation priorities over a 6 month period, based on learnings from the AXA XL program.
As evidenced in the Ninety training feedback, the training also enhanced employee engagement around innovation. Making innovation accessible is a big part of belonging; making employees feel part of the company’s future. The training they have received as part of the program will be the armour they need to enter the fray and innovate effectively.
Testimonial
“The training really broadened my knowledge of ways to innovate and also enlightened the idea of failure – we should celebrate when we make a tough decision and not shy away from a discontinued idea.”
Training participant, AXA XL
“The [training session] was invigorating- I left feeling excited about what I/ we could do within the organisation. They created an environment where everyone was heard which meant the diversity of ideas going round was great!”
Training participant, AXA XL
