The Aspiring Leaders program was born from an idea that future leaders are already employed with the company. According to Corporate Training, Diversity and Quality Management Manager Vida Jennings, the Management Development Committee analyzed issues managers across the enterprise face and asked, “What problems are we trying to solve?” Palmetto GBA leadership had an answer – developing future leaders.

“Palmetto GBA stepped up to be trailblazers in leadership development,” Jennings said.

A program was developed to foster leadership skill development in employees who passed the ASSET management readiness assessment and expressed interest in pursuing leadership roles within Palmetto GBA. In total, 17 employees were accepted into the Aspiring Leaders pilot program. Participants were paired with a mentor and took part in virtual learning sessions.

“The program provided skills and knowledge to become a successful leader. We learned that everyone has different leadership styles and how best to connect with others,” said Medical Reviewer II Sharon McAlhany. “We not only learned about ourselves and how we can lead, but also how we can help others grow and learn within the company.”

Some participants like Keri Ann Hyde had applied for management positions prior to taking part in Aspiring Leaders but were told they did not have enough prior leadership experience. This program helped bridge that gap. Hyde, a Medical Reviewer II when she applied for Aspiring Leaders, is now a Medical Review Supervisor.

“I learned a lot about myself and my leadership style through the Birkman Assessment. I like to lead by example,” Hyde said. “I learned a lot in Aspiring Leaders, and it took a lot of hard work.”

Mentors and program organizers see Aspiring Leaders as an investment in current employees and Palmetto GBA’s future.

“I appreciate the opportunity to invest in associates who want to rise through the ranks,” said Application Development Director Scott Burkholder. “I want everybody to have those opportunities.”

And program participants have expressed gratitude at the opportunities afforded to them through Aspiring Leaders.

“I'm very impressed,” said Communications Specialist II Nancy Davis. “This is exactly what you want from your company. You want them to care about the people who work for them.”

Feedback from program participant shows that more than 60 percent of the inaugural class found the Aspiring Leaders content to be very valuable, with 100 percent of participants reporting the program was very valuable to their career development.

“Employees feel good knowing that a company is investing in them, and they see that they're opening doors or creating avenues for them to grow, learn and move up,” said Vice President of Support Operations Elaine Garrick. “We're helping to guide their career path. They are also helping Palmetto GBA to build strength and depth within our leadership, which is critical to our success.”

Based on the success of the pilot program, Aspiring Leaders will continue and potentially be expanded.

“We want to see more grow,” Jennings said. “When the next call for applications go out for Aspiring Leaders, we hope our inaugural class will encourage their peers and coworkers to apply so that they can be developed, so that they can find their future in a career in leadership.”