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Leadership development | Unlock your leaders’ potential
Great leaders build great businesses
The cornerstone of a successful company is strong leadership. However, excellent leaders are made rather than born. Giving people the abilities, self-assurance and strategic thinking they need to motivate teams, accelerate achievement, and foster an environment where people can thrive is the goal of leadership development.
At People Puzzles, we help companies of all sizes to develop competent, self-assured, and people-oriented leaders. We design specialised leadership development programs that change people and build companies, whether you need to train new managers, improve senior leadership, or develop future leaders.
We also help you identify and develop tomorrow’s leaders in line with a strategic succession plan and help equip your managers to deliver your ambitions faster, while nurturing inclusive, high performance cultures in which everyone can thrive.
What is Leadership Development?
Leadership development is the process of enhancing leadership qualities and skills at all organisational levels. To help leaders become more adept at leading others, making decisions, and fostering growth, it consists of coaching, mentoring, training, and practical experience.
We go into more depth on Leadership Development in our knowledge hub
Why Leadership Development Matters
- Helps businesses navigate change and uncertainty
- Boosts employee engagement and retention
- Increases productivity and business performance
- Builds a pipeline of future leaders
- Strengthens communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
How Leadership Development works at People Puzzles
Generic leadership training doesn’t really work in our experience. We therefore collaborate directly with your employees to build competencies that will have both an immediate and long-term effect. Our leadership development approach operates as follows:
1. Understanding your business & leadership needs
We begin by evaluating your current leadership structure and capabilities, identifying the gaps and scope for improvement. Is your senior team aligned, and are they in the right roles? Are managers having trouble motivating their teams? Are they equipped to effectively performance manage against company aspirations? Is greater strategic vision required of senior leaders? Do you have a succession plan in place to support future leadership needs? We identify the areas that will be most affected by improved leadership.
2. Creating a tailored leadership development plan
Since every company is different, we create custom leadership programs to meet your objectives and problems. We design a strategy that produces tangible outcomes, whether it is group training, one-on-one coaching, or immersive leadership experiences. And unlike traditional HR consultancy, we stick around to deliver the plan, working as part of your senior team to embed better leadership behaviours which support growth.
3. Practical, hands-on Leadership Development
We practise leadership; we don’t just talk about it. Our HR professionals collaborate closely with corporate leaders to deliver dynamic, practical, and instantly applicable training. We also have the advantage of a whole team of specialists at your disposal, so you can tap into specific areas of expertise as needed.
4. Ongoing support & Leadership Growth
Being a leader is a journey, not a one-time event. To make sure the gains endure and keep expanding, we offer continuous coaching, feedback, and leadership development, aligned with your growth plans.
What can Leadership Development help with?
Executive & senior leadership coaching
Assisting senior executives in cultivating the vision, strategic thinking, and adaptability necessary to lead companies through change and adversity and developing both professionally and personally.
First-time & emerging leaders training
Assisting new leaders in taking charge with assurance, leading teams successfully, and setting the tone for success.
Change management & adaptive leadership
Giving executives the tools they need to manage uncertainty, spur innovation, and handle corporate transformations.
Team leadership & people management
Cultivating leaders who can inspire, involve, and enable their teams to reach their maximum potential.
Culture, inclusion & emotional intelligence
Assisting leaders in embracing diversity, cultivating a positive company culture, and exercising emotional intelligence.
Why choose People Puzzles for Leadership Development?
HR experts who’ve been in your shoes
Our 80+ experienced HR Directors have worked inside businesses of all sizes, so we understand real leadership challenges – and how to fix them.
No generic training – fully tailored Leadership Development
We create leadership development plans that are specific to your business, your people, and your goals – no off-the-shelf solutions here!
Practical, hands-on coaching (not just theory)
We work alongside your leaders, helping them apply their skills in real-world situations.
Proven results that make a difference
We’ve helped over 1,000 businesses strengthen their leadership teams, improving decision-making, engagement, and business performance.
Leadership Development Success Stories
How to create sustainable business growth with Leadership Development
Challenge: With a growing organisation it’s time to know when to bring in additional support, get the board up to scratch and unify the business
Solution: People Director’s Sarah & Robin worked with The Fine Bedding Company to develop and deliver a new leadership program.
Results: A cohesive SLT and revitalised HR manager in place
Scaling Stockdale Martin
Challenge: StockdaleMartin, a pharmaceutical marketing firm, struggled to scale beyond 14 employees due to structural limitations. The senior leadership team required development to unlock the company’s full potential
Solution: People Director Catherine Wood introduced consistent leadership processes and restructured the organisation. She supported hiring a new senior leader and enhanced company culture to empower employees.
Results: The company experienced improved performance and a more motivated team. Enhanced culture and values made StockdaleMartin a better place to work
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is leadership development, and why is it important?
People that receive leadership development are better able to lead teams, make decisions, and propel their businesses forward.
Who can benefit from leadership training?
Structured leadership development can help anyone in a leadership position, from junior managers to senior executives, acquire the abilities and self-assurance they need.
How long does it take to see improvements from leadership coaching?
As executives put what they’ve learnt into practice, many organisations experience results in as little as a few weeks.
How does People Puzzles tailor leadership programmes to different businesses?
After evaluating your leadership objectives and obstacles, we design a customised development plan that complements your personnel and business strategy. But remember, you are assigned a People Director who will be looking at every aspect of your HR strategy and will tie training in for gaps yes, but much more moving forward.
Ready to develop stronger leaders?
Let’s talk about how we can support you in strengthening your leadership team and creating a more prosperous company.
Call us on: 0345 646 5201 or email [email protected]
Glossary
Leadership Development: The process of improving leadership skills through coaching, training, and experience.
Executive Coaching: One-on-one training for senior leaders to improve strategic thinking and decision-making.
People Management: The ability to lead, support, and develop teams effectively.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understanding and managing emotions to improve leadership impact.
Change Management: The ability to lead a business through transitions effectively.
Want more information?
Have a look at our dedicated Fractional HR knowledge hub:
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How much does it cost to outsource HR?
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What HR functions should not be outsourced?
Talk to us today
We at People Puzzles make leadership development useful, experiential, and goal-oriented. Our knowledgeable HR directors collaborate with company leaders to make sure they acquire the abilities and self-assurance necessary for success.
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See what our clients say!
Your support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation
Director of Finance, National Hair & Beauty Federation
Following the completion of our restructure, I wanted to get in touch to say thank you. Your support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation. We are extremely grateful for your measured and sound advice, helping us to navigate such a sensitive situation, and we look forward to working with you again in future .
Lynn guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals
Samantha Freeman, Management Accountant, Wirtgen Group
I could not recommend Lynn more, she guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals and to think about things from an alternative perspective. I have also had a few people comment on the positive changes they can see in me which is a result of our sessions.
Sarah is a trusted advisor and sounding board to both me and my team.
Claire Watkin, Managing Director, Trendsetter
Working with People Puzzles has enabled me to step out of the day to day running of the business and concentrate on our future strategic direction. Sarah has helped us focus on how we develop our future leaders, cross team collaboration, and enhance overall business performance, as well as supporting the achievement of B Corp status.
The achievements of the People Strategy made a measurable difference.
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, Sigma
I can't thank Paula enough for all her support over the last 3 years. Her time with us turned out to be much longer than any of us expected but I guess this reflects the extraordinary events and circumstances we’ve encountered since 2019. The achievements over this period made a measurable difference to engagement and has helped Sigma transition our people policies from that of an SME into market leading large corporate. Thank you.
Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered
Coaching Client – Wirtgen Limited
I cannot give Lynn enough thanks for the help that she gave me to better understand myself and help me find the answers to some tough questions. Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered, Thanks again Lynn.
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline. I came into this role last year with an agenda for growth and we have been working together across employee engagement, contacts and policies.
Pauline developed our people strategy with a robust methodology
Jeremy Royle, MD, YourNRG
Pauline’s hands on approach helped us to build on the work we have already taken and develop our people strategy with a robust methodology to meet the current needs and future growth of the business.
Working closely with one local and very knowledgeable person
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
The real benefit of People Puzzles is that your business and industry sector needs are matched with one of the People Puzzles Directors. This means you work closely with one local and very knowledgeable person who can quickly understand the people needs of the business.
Working with Sarah has been a rewarding, productive and an educational experience
Chief Operating Officer, Salford Primary Care Together
We wanted to understand more about what was driving our organisational culture, key risks and issues, what our priorities should be, and to understand what we could achieve with our limited resources. Sarah brought commitment, pragmatism, and positivity to our challenges which helped us achieve many of our goals including organisational restructures, re-design of several key HR processes and upskilling of our teams.
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG.
Managing Director, Your NRG
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG, and has brought to our attention some processes that need our focus as a result of our recent rapid growth. We are pushing on with the more pressing operational day-to-day strategies and initiatives whilst also educating the SMT on their overall understanding of ‘cradle to grave’ employment. Pauline continues to work diligently and tirelessly for Your NRG and I am delighted to have her ongoing support alongside us as we continue on our journey to realise our levels of ambition.
Changed the way we approach our senior meetings and develop our strategy.
Chair, Regular Cleaning
Shaun worked closely with me and the senior team and taught us a lot. Shaun dedicated time for each team member and encouraged, educated and guided them to be the best they can be. We achieved so much in the time we worked with Shaun and he has helped to change our focus from working in the business to working on the business giving us time to dedicate to the progression of the teams that make up the rest of our family.
Jill has worked on many projects as our part time HR Director.
Founder, Aura
One was around sick days which she has now reduced by 75%. This has significantly minimised the disruption it was causing.
Stewart's work has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets.
Gerry Simmonds, Safpro
Stewart helped to align our senior team around business goals and implemented clear people plan has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets. We have grown 20% over the past two years and with the team we now have in place this growth is set to continue.
Lynn's work as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable.
Oktawia Ellis, HR Manager, We Seal
I have the distinct pleasure of working with Lynn at People Puzzles. Her work over the last few years as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable. Lynn is an expert in her field, she is very knowledgeable, encourageing, supportive, and an effective leader. She is also really funny and a pleasure to be around! I learned a lot from Lynn and I would strongly recommend her.
The impact Lynn has had on our challenges are beyond my expectations
James Laxton, Managing Director, Laxtons
She has engaged with all our staff and her approach is a breath of fresh air for the business. The support she has given me has made some difficult issues appear straight forward and she has given a new lease of life in the business. We would not have been able to get to where we are now without her wealth of experience and hands on people approach and I am excited to see what the future brings working with Lynn.
Every team leader can now make decisions in line with the vision
Roy Bowie, Managing Director, GreenBlue Urban
I used to have the view that HR was managing difficult cases and moving people on with occasional recruitment support. But what People Puzzles does is so much more than that. It’s about the development of the business and its people as a whole which has been the biggest eye opener for me.
Working with Gill has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance
Bernard Sellars, Managing Director, Lindum Packaging
Working with Gill from People Puzzles has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance – it has helped us as a team to achieve greater alignment and engagement with the business strategy and goals.
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial.
Alex Calvert, Marketing and PR Account Manager, Intandem Communications Ltd
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial. Lynn helped me to work on some very clear objectives with a good balance of supportiveness and knowing when to challenge and push me out of my comfort zone!
We are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the future
Craig Bennett, CEO, Sigma Group
Paula developed a clear People plan and road map, which has significantly moved us on. She has developed the existing HR team, and ensured that we progressed quickly on all the initiatives that we identified. I’m confident that based on the last 6 months, with Paula’s input and contribution, we are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the next 6 months and beyond.
A very professional team
Chris Morling, Founder & CEO, Money.co.uk
It’s been brilliant to have such knowledgeable consultants help us to empower our people. Stuart and Sophie were incredibly flexible, adapting their services to our business and existing culture. I’d highly recommend People Puzzles.
Shifted my view of HR!
Gavin Pooley, Managing Director, Liquidline
I used to think that HR was all about employment law compliance and managing the administration basics. I didn’t get the hugely positive impact strategic HR could make to the business – I do now!’
Transformed my understanding
Managing Director, B2B Supplies and Support Services
Having Alison on the team is like having another MD/MBA in the business. She has totally transformed my understanding of HR.
Fantastic support!
Kerry Berry, Director, S&K Berry Associates LLP
Lynn has been a fantastic support to us and an ongoing fountain of knowledge. If you have a business and/or staff you need to take care of, you need a Lynn on your team!
Such a detailed process
Sue Ford, Director, Bridge Case Management
Lynn ran a detailed process and I wasn’t allowed to get away with anything – All relevant issues were included and dealt with objectively.
We’ve accomplished a lot!
Joseph Carr, Managing Director, Carrs Pasties
This is an inspiring story and it’s all true. I can’t believe it’s about us! We’ve accomplished a lot over the last 18 months.
Helping us shape the business
Stuart Hill, CEO, WNDirect
Carole has helped me and the business massively and added real value while helping us shape the business.
Vee has delivered a huge amount for the company
Bertie Kerr, Managing Director, Albany Associates Ltd
Vee started with a baseline study of where we were. She then presented a work plan to deliver over the coming months and while some priorities have changed it is impressive to look back and see how much has been achieved. She has become a trusted member of the senior team, providing advice and guidance on difficult topics and is regularly consulted by staff for her input.
Alison joined Valleys to Coast on an interim basis and 18 months later is still with us!
Joanne Oak, Chief Executive Officer, Valleys to Coast Housing
Alison has been instrumental working with me to recruit to a permanent role. Alison’s approach has been one of partnership, contributing as part of the strategic leadership team, which has been critically important given the turbulence the organisation has been through. Alison is always available, responsive and I would highly recommend her for expert HR support
Over the last 3 years, People Puzzles has helped build a very strong people culture
Phil Dupont, Director, RVT Group
We now have a clear Vision for the Companies 5 Pillars, In-house manager, leadership ‘Power 90’ Training and a rhythm of key meetings throughout each year. This has had a direct contribution to the significant growth of the company in the last 3 years… With this support from People Puzzles continuing, the company continues to grow both financially and culturally for the benefit of all.