Building a High-Performing Leadership Team at a Regional Water Utility
Leadership Case Study
A regional water and sewer utility with a new chief executive and significant leadership turnover needed a structured leadership development program and a better organization design. The engagement delivered both.
Leadership experience. This engagement was delivered by a Washington, DC-based management consulting firm where Altus's founder previously served in executive leadership. We share it to show the experience our leadership brings. It is not presented as Altus Workforce Solutions contract performance. Client details are anonymized.
The challenge
The utility's board asked its incoming chief executive to build a high-performing leadership team. The executive team had seen significant turnover. Informal leadership training existed, but it did not address individual competencies or organizational goals, and executive and board retreats lacked a consistent design.
At the same time, the utility wanted an organizational structure and talent management model on par with the best performers in its industry.
The approach
- Current-state assessment. Leadership surveys, focus groups and interviews identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
- Executive coaching. Individualized coaching plans for key leaders, with evaluation and follow-up.
- Retreat design. Formalized executive and board retreat processes, with a recurring plan covering leadership priorities, team building and emerging risks.
- Custom training. Sessions on timely leadership topics for about 30 executives.
- Organization design. As part of a team with a global consulting firm, used an environmental scan, SWOT analysis, performance management review and peer benchmarking to recommend a new structure and procurement process design.
The outcomes
- A formal leadership development program replacing informal training
- Consistent, well-designed executive and board retreats
- Individual development plans and coaching for key leaders
- A roadmap for organizational structure and process improvement
Why it matters for Altus clients
Leadership development works when it is tied to the organization's goals, not run as a one-off event. Altus brings this approach to public and mission-driven organizations going through leadership transitions.