As organisations navigate increasingly complex business environments, the development of leadership and “soft or power skills” has become a top priority for L&D professionals. At the same time, leading without a title is a construct that needs to underpin training needs in the dynamic, fast-paced environment of a transport company such as Crossroads Distribution. Fostering a culture where leadership flourishes across all levels is essential for our long-term growth and resilience. Critical to the above, is the creation of a learning-oriented environment that is tailored to meet the diverse needs of all staff within the business.

These needs not only extend to the format and delivery of training, but also how they link to other central processes within the business. Soft skills better described as “power skills” – such as emotional intelligence, communication, and conflict resolution, amongst others, are especially vital in high-pressure, fast-paced industries such as ours, where frontline decisions and collaboration directly affect safety, efficiency, and customer service. And the key to tying all of this together is landing this message with all employees in the business, whether they are directly or indirectly facing the customer. This means that the evaluation of learning return on investment (ROI) must go beyond traditional metrics.

It should capture the behavioural and cultural shifts enabled by leadership at all levels – such as improved decision-making, decreased turnover, and enhanced operational performance. This holistic view of leadership and learning ensures that employees are not only trained, but transformed or immersed, contributing to a more agile, motivated, and competent workforce.

Ultimately, embedding leadership and learning throughout the organisational structure positions Crossroads Distribution as a progressive, competitive player in a rapidly evolving industry.

1. Leadership is not just for the select few

2. ROI is not just numbers

3. Accountability is for everyone