Having an improvement idea is one thing. Feeling confident enough to share it is another.
For many participants in PepsiCo’s leadership training, finding that confidence was a meaningful part of their growth.
Over 6 months, 40 manufacturing lead hands across three shifts, worked with Soaring Leadership to connect personal awareness with practical workplace skills they could practice everyday.
Better Leadership Starts with Self-Awareness
We helped them explore their thoughts and emotions that influence their behavior, communication and relationships. We showed them how emotional intelligence helps to reduce stress, improve empathy and allow us to celebrate out personality differences.
One participant captured this lesson beautifully:
“We need to start looking at ourselves first, because it starts with you.”
Practical Tools for Everyday Conversations
In addition to foundational skills like active listening, reframing and the Stop Light tool, participants explored how to give and receive feedback while addressing difficult behaviors together.
As one participant shared:
“We learned a lot of key things like the Stop Light, using active listening and open-ended questions.”
More Confidence to Speak Up
By the end of the program, participants felt more confident to share their opinions, perspectives and improvement ideas directly with their managers. The program concluded with team-building events that created opportunities for constructive dialogue, relationship building and lots of fun with their supervisors.
“One is active listening … to what other people are trying to say. Try to get a full picture on how we can solve it. If we make a mistake, you can say sorry and try not to do it again.”
Key participant reflections included:
- Greater confidence and assertiveness in giving and receiving feedback.
- Stronger awareness of themselves and of the team’s personality differences.
- More willingness to listen, have empathy and to contribute ideas to make things better.
A stronger leadership voice starts with emotional intelligence and strengthens with the practice of contribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who participated in the PepsiCo program?
40 manufacturing lead hands across three shifts participated.
How long did the program last?
Leadership training took place every two weeks over six months.
What skills did participants explore?
The program covered emotional intelligence, active listening, showing empathy, two way feedback, problem-solving and decision-making.
What changes did participants report?
Their reflections highlighted the value of self-awareness and understanding others through active listening. Most reported greater confidence in sharing their ideas with management.
Were team-building activities included?
Yes. The program concluded with team-building events involving lead hands and their direct supervisors.
Can Soaring Leadership customize a program for our team?
Yes. Soaring Leadership offers customized leadership development aligned with your team’s needs and workplace challenges.
