In an era characterised by rapid technological advancements and evolving business landscapes, organisations face mounting pressures to foster a skilled and agile workforce. 

"Skill Shift" is a series of path-breaking case studies that illuminate the success stories of companies spearheading transformative learning programs to bridge the widening skills gap. Presented by Skillsoft and People Matters, this series serves as an insightful journey into the strategies and innovations driving these organizations towards sustainable growth in the face of digital disruption. Skillsoft, renowned for its cutting-edge corporate learning solutions, has positioned itself as an essential ally in addressing these challenges. By leveraging its advanced platforms and customised content, Skillsoft has been instrumental in enhancing organisational performance and nurturing leadership talent for thousands of clients.

Coforge and Skillsoft engagement: An overview

Coforge is a global digital services and solutions provider that leverages emerging technologies and deep domain expertise to deliver real-world business impact for its clients. The firm has a presence in 21 countries, with 26 delivery centres across nine countries and a workforce of nearly 30,000 people. Coforge’s competency framework, Xcellerate, is the company’s north star for the agile and scalable learning ecosystem. 

Richa Sethi, VP of Human Resources, Global Head, Capability Development and DEI, Coforge, explains that Xcellerate aims to implement a globalised and expert-driven learning ecosystem that provides employees with an outside-in view, drives performance excellence, future-proofs the workforce, and builds a sustainable talent pipeline. 

Coforge implemented the following programs based on Skillsoft’s Percipio platform and other tools:

• LEADership Academy on Percipio: Developing leadership and behavioural skills through mapping competencies and decentralised learning
• Pinnacle (Senior Leaders Development Program): A flagship 6-month development self-paced journey to enhance the strategic capabilities of the senior leadership
• Elevate (Middle Manager Leadership Journey): Equipping mid-level leaders with essential leadership competencies for over 5,000 people leaders
• CAISY: Skillsoft’s unique offering of an AI-driven conversational simulator to hone conversational skills with more than 70+ scenarios
• Coforge for ALL Academy (DEI): A DEI Academy to nurture inclusive culture and meaningful learning experiences 

By curating Learning Academies Coforge was able to tap into a holistic one-stop solution for all learning and certification requirements with a wide range of off-the-shelf, digital, blended, and classroom courses on varying skills and competencies. 

The genesis of Elevate: Addressing core business challenges

For the purpose of this case study, we will turn the spotlight on Elevate. At the onset, it’s important to note that it is not a conventional training intervention for middle managers but a structured learning journey spanning three months. The program was designed considering the need for a robust leadership pipeline to support its growth and innovation objectives.

Richa says that the Elevate program was conceived to address several key business imperatives:

1. Fostering innovation and agility: In the IT sector, continuous innovation and the ability to adapt swiftly to change are paramount. Elevate was designed to cultivate these qualities by encouraging leaders to experiment and think creatively, thus driving business success.
2. Talent retention and growth: Beyond competitive salaries, employees seek opportunities for professional growth. Elevate addresses this need by providing avenues for career development and skill enhancement, which helps in retaining top talent.
3. Bridging skills gaps: Richa suggests that there is often a gap between technical expertise and business acumen. Elevate aims to bridge this divide by integrating business skills with technical knowledge, ensuring leaders are well-rounded and capable of managing projects effectively.
4. Enhancing project management: Effective communication, collaboration, and accountability are crucial for successful project management. Elevate focuses on these aspects to improve project execution and team dynamics.

A modular approach was adopted to design a comprehensive learning journey to accommodate the diverse needs of Coforge's global workforce. Key aspects of the program include:

1. Self-leadership: Learners are encouraged to develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and cultural dexterity. This self-leadership component is essential for navigating complex and multicultural work environments.
2. Building high-performing teams: The program emphasises creating high-performing project teams and fostering innovation within these teams. This aspect is critical for addressing client needs and driving organisational success.
3. Effective relationship management: Elevate teaches participants how to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders and clients, manage change, and align their efforts with broader business goals.

The impact and success of the engagement

Richa highlights that Skillsoft has been a key engagement partner in driving the success of the Elevate program. The scalability and flexibility offered by the Skillsoft’s Percipio have been instrumental in curating a three-month learning journey for the organisation's middle management comprising approximately 5000 please leaders globally. 

The partnership has leveraged Skillsoft's comprehensive suite of tools and resources, particularly the Percipio, to enhance the learning experience:

1. Scalability and customisation: Percipio enabled the scalability required for a program of Elevate's size. The ability to customise learning journeys through Percipio allowed for the creation of tailored content and academies catering to specific needs and competencies.
2. Innovative tools: Tools like CAISY, an AI-driven conversational simulator, have been pivotal in providing realistic, scenario-based learning experiences. This interactive approach allows learners to practise managing stakeholder relations and other critical skills in a safe environment.
3. Comprehensive and varied content libraries: Skillsoft offers a vast repository of content, including managerial competencies, technical skills, and behavioural training. This extensive content library supports the development of a wide range of skills necessary for leadership and professional growth.
4. Global accessibility: The platform’s ability to host live sessions and leader camps across various time zones ensures that all employees, regardless of location, can access the program.

The Elevate program's success is reflected in several key metrics:

1. High completion rates: The program boasts an impressive 80% completion rate, indicating strong engagement and effectiveness.
2. Application of learning: With a 93% application rate, employees are successfully translating their learning into practical, on-the-job skills. 
3. Talent development and retention: Skillsoft's tools have helped build a strong succession pipeline, enhancing talent retention and preparing employees for future leadership roles.
4. Business advantages: The partnership has provided a competitive edge by fostering innovation, adaptability, and a well-developed talent pipeline, which are crucial for Coforge's business success.

Coforge and Skillsoft: A winning engagement to ensure organisational success

Skillsoft’s enablement of the Elevate program and the Percipio platform have significantly advanced Coforge’s organisational success and leadership development. By addressing key business challenges, offering scalable and customisable learning solutions, and delivering measurable impact, Skillsoft has proven to be a reliable partner for organisations seeking to cultivate a future-ready workforce. As businesses navigate an increasingly complex landscape, leveraging Skillsoft’s innovative tools and resources will remain a critical strategy for achieving sustained success and leadership excellence.

Watch out for the next instalment of ‘Skill Shift case studies to find out the latest trends in the learning and development vertical.

Learn more about how you can use Skillsoft Percipio to bolster your organisation’s future readiness!