An Exeter digital marketing agency has said the creation of a “shadow board” has helped bridge the gap between senior leaders and younger staff.
Optix Solutions said it created the model over a year ago as a way of succession planning and bringing younger workers into the strategic decision-making process. According to the firm, the company has since seen growth of around 43%.
Optix managing director Rob Stevens said: “We realised the board - whilst having the benefit of experience and ensuring the business kept up with fast-paced digital change - could unknowingly be set in invisible patterns.
“Being able to receive guidance and challenges from the shadow board has given us fresh perspectives and a renewed hunger for success.”
The Optix shadow board includes three employees: account director Becky Brennan; director of strategy Thomas Haynes; and project manager Samuel Skinner. The trio, who have all volunteered alongside their day-to-day roles, are given monthly business coaching and training by South West Growth Services.
Ms Brennan said she feels “more confident” about getting involved with the firm at a senior level since being part of the shadow board.
“I haven’t had too much interaction with the board in previous roles, so having the opportunity to be challenged by them and hear the level of questions they ask has been invaluable for my development,” she said.
The main board tasks its shadow board with assignments and, in turn, is questioned by them. The shadow board has made suggestions including implementing a new CRM system and a review of the holiday allowance, which is now 25 days plus an extra day for each year of service up to five years.
The shadow board was also asked to write a ‘dogs in the workplace’ policy, and after consulting the rest of the team has made the workplace a “dog-friendly zone”.
Mr Stevens said the implementation of the shadow board could lead to Optix becoming an employee-owned business. He added: “That will certainly be one route the business could travel.”
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