Boehringer Ingelheim leverages simulation training to achieve leadership and coaching skill mastery

Add a blended learning approach to the learning and development roster

Rakesh and the team explain how there has always been a blend of face-to-face and e-learning at Boehringer Ingelheim. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a highly engaging, blended learning approach when it came to coaching.

Bruce seconds this need for an engaging remote way of practicing coaching for FLMs.

Bruce goes on to explain how he had certain expectations of the solution - that it would be similar to other e-learning with multiple choice etc. that would help with knowledge. What he was surprised by was the interactivity of Coach to Grow. He shares how there were several moments when he had to stop and give his answers some thought. It was at these points that he realized the simulation training was about behavior change in his coaching, rather than simply gaining knowledge.

"It’s a fun and engaging platform that’s going to change the way you coach."

Better measure the success and impact of learning and development

Ultimately, learning and development need to help an organization deliver on business goals. Rakesh shared Boehringer Ingelheim’s previous challenges around measuring the impact of a solution like this.

However, the built-in metrics and analytics in Coach to Grow have already allowed the team to quantify and measure how successful the roll-out has been globally.

The team have already been able to see reports showing adoption, success and certification. First-line managers have also been able to score themselves on their confidence before completing the modules, and again after completing all five of the Coach to Grow modules.

Train people in coaching in a real, meaningful environment

As coaching is such an interpersonal skill, filled with nuance and soft skills, it’s historically been difficult to create training to be truly reflective of that.

The simulation element of Coach to Grow has opened up a new world of interactivity and coaching training with context for first-line managers at Boehringer Ingelheim.

Rakesh tells us how important it is that the training be realistic.

"It’s important because we’re dealing with adults. We’re not in the business of educating children. We’re dealing with people who have their own opinions and experiences. Unless it’s realistic and relates directly to them, they’re not going to engage with those things."

The avatars respond directly to what FLMs say to them in a coaching setting, with instant feedback.