Yarra Trams wanted to strengthen the leadership capability of frontline leaders who were navigating psychosocial hazards in a demanding customer environment. These leaders faced growing expectations while managing pressure on their teams and their own wellbeing. Many had been promoted for technical expertise without the support or skills needed to lead effectively. Adding to the complexity was anticipated scepticism about the value of the program and reluctance to invest time, making engagement a critical challenge.
We adopted a highly consultative, co-design approach, tailoring existing Lysander content and creating new material grounded in contemporary, evidence-based practices. The program comprised three tiers: Essentials, Foundations, and Insights.
Essentials provided core fundamentals for all leaders, Foundations built on this for emerging leaders, and Insights catered to those with greater experience. Each component blended bite-sized learning with immersive workshops, enabling participants to apply concepts to real-world challenges and accelerate capability development.
The program rolled out across 2023, starting with a bold strategy: 200 leaders completing Leadership Essentials in a single wave to drive communication and psychological safety organisation-wide. This was followed by a large cohort undertaking Foundations and a smaller group of senior leaders engaging in Insights. The staged approach ensured alignment and impact across all leadership levels.
The tailored design resonated strongly with leaders, inspiring mindset shifts and building confidence to tackle complex situations. Participants reported feeling more equipped to manage psychosocial risks and lead with clarity under pressure. Leaders spoke of gaining practical tools to improve team communication and foster psychological safety, while senior managers highlighted the program’s role in creating a more cohesive leadership culture.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with advocacy for the program’s effectiveness rated exceptionally high. Many described the experience as transformative and essential for navigating the complexities of frontline leadership.
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