Laura Whitworth April 4 2025
Featured

Top Team Troubles: How a Retail Leadership Team Found Unity Amidst Change

When a retail giant faced branch closures, its new Senior Leadership Team struggled to align. Laura Whitworth shares how t-three transformed their unity.

At t‑three, we believe that organisations don’t change; people do – one behaviour at a time. In our Top Team Troubles series, we share real-life stories of leadership transformation. While some details have been modified for confidentiality, the essence of the journey remains genuine and relatable.

Branching Out: How a Retail Leadership Team Found Unity Amidst Change

When a large retail business (industry changed for confidentiality) announced the closure of several branches, its newly formed Senior Leadership Team (SLT) faced a critical challenge. Comprising both seasoned leaders and fresh faces, the team struggled to align their working styles and priorities, creating disjointed efforts and uncertainty during a pivotal time for employees.

Realising the need for a unified leadership front, the SLT reached out to t‑three. We began with a branding session to define their collective identity, followed by personalised insights through Facet5 profiling and one-to-one coaching. This approach helped each leader understand their unique strengths and preferences.

A key turning point came during a facilitated TeamScape session. In this session - conducted with the utmost respect for confidentiality - the team identified collaboration gaps and set clear, actionable goals. Honest and constructive discussions took place, including addressing the common "HIPPO" effect, where the highest-paid person’s opinion often overshadows others. Simple changes, like rotating meeting chairs and using structured agendas, encouraged a more inclusive dialogue where every voice was valued.

The transformation was striking. Meetings became more engaging and open, and communication flowed freely. With a renewed focus on mutual respect and understanding, the SLT emerged as a cohesive, high-performing unit ready to lead confidently through change.

This story reminds us that true leadership transformation happens one behaviour at a time. At t‑three, our leadership development and top team coaching focus on fostering alignment, open communication, and a deep respect for each individual's strengths—all while maintaining strict confidentiality.

If you’re ready to tackle top team troubles and build a united leadership team that truly drives change, get in touch with us. Remember, organisations don’t change, people do – one behaviour at a time.

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