Construction is often cited as the most male-dominated industry in Australia, but Coates is on a mission to change that.
The company’s Leadership, Excellence and Performance (LEAP) program was established to empower and develop future female leaders.
In its first four years, 85 women have graduated from the program, with 30 per cent receiving promotions into higher level or leadership positions.
Past participant, Marilyn Colyer, moved into a more senior role as a Business Trainer at the beginning of her program. She says it was great timing for her to develop her leadership skills.
“Upon transitioning into a new role at Coates while participating in the LEAP program, I discovered that the program significantly improved my communication skills,” Marilyn says.
“Additionally, I felt welcomed by other like-minded women within the company, and we shared similar experiences of working in a male-dominated industry.”
Coates’ program consists of 15 fortnightly sessions facilitated by Aileen Hiskins from Strategic Alignment Training. With an independent facilitator, supported by internal coordinators, executive sponsors and special guests, the program provides both internal company insights and the unbiased perspective necessary for open and honest conversations.
The course covers topics such as routines and habits, learning agility, business acumen, accountability and advocacy. Each module closes with a panel discussion with an executive sponsor from across the business.
Heidi Sundin, Group Manager for Strategy and Customer Experience, is one such sponsor, and she shows a deep passion for empowering other women.
“It’s important to break down the disproportionate barriers in the workplace and industry to support women to unlock their full potential, contributing their talent to the business and for their own professional development,” says Heidi.
“I fully support programs like LEAP whenever I have the opportunity. I have personally benefitted from people supporting me in my career and I always like to pay it forward.”
Aside from learning the key tenets of being a good leader, the participants are given a space to be themselves and see their fellow female cohort for the person behind the professional.
While Coates is well above the industry average for women in construction, currently employing 23.1 per cent females, Elise acknowledges that there is much work still to be done – starting with the company’s goal of 25 per cent by 2025. However, this is not the only metric by which Coates measures LEAP’s success.
“Other ways we measure the impact of the LEAP program include employee engagement surveys, retention rates of participants, performance reviews outcomes, direct feedback from participants and from their managers, the waiting list for new programs, and recognition in the business,” Elise says.
LEAP is not a static initiative and Coates is dedicated to developing it in line with industry needs, Elise adds.
The simple shared message between these three women – Marilyn, Heidi and Elise – is that the LEAP program is ‘no risk and all reward’ for everyone involved. From participants to sponsors and the wider business, the benefits of greater diversity in leadership continue to be reaped at Coates.
To learn more about Coates, click here.