What Makes an Award-Winning Talent Development Program Work?
The secret to an award-winning talent development program is a system of behavior change, not a single workshop or assessment. At the LA County Department of Health Services, the leadership team has built a complete ecosystem that turns learning into daily practice. This approach earned them an ATD BEST Award and transformed how thousands of leaders grow.
Rethinking the 360 Assessment for Shared Growth
Most 360 assessments stop at rating a leader. But Yvonne Banzali, Director of Leadership Development at LA County Health Services, asked a game-changing question: “If this is how you rate your leader, what will you do to help them grow?”
This small shift makes feedback a shared responsibility. Instead of one person fixing their weaknesses, the entire team works together to create a supportive environment. Banzali explains, “We built an accountability system into our 360 so we could operationalize behavior change and involve each leader’s team in their development.”
Why Shared Responsibility Matters
- Leaders feel safer being vulnerable
- Team members become active partners in growth
- Feedback leads to real action, not just a report
6 Drivers That Set the Leadership Standard
This 360 redesign is part of a bigger system. Since 2018, the team has built a leadership standard around six drivers of high-performing teams:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Emotional intelligence (EQ)
- Psychological safety
- Inclusion and equity
- Well-being
Their flagship program, TOP (Transforming the Organization Through People), teaches these drivers to every leader—from new managers to executives. This common standard helped the program grow from a small pilot into a system-wide success.
Nexus Institute: Turning Learning into Daily Practice
The LA County team didn’t stop at training. They created the Nexus Institute for Continuing Leadership Education and Excellence, a dedicated hub for behavior change. Here’s what it offers:
- Learning labs: Hands-on workshops to apply new skills
- Microlearning: Quick lessons tied to daily work
- Mentoring communities: Peer support and alumni reunions
- Facilitation kits: Tools leaders can use with their own teams
As Banzali says, “Learning is not an outside thing. You have to adopt these skills into your everyday practice.”
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Ever
With AI taking over routine tasks, human skills like self-awareness, trust-building, and emotional regulation are more valuable. Banzali believes leadership must shift from being “execution-centered” to “environment-centered.”
“The more we advance technologically, the more we need to invest in human capital,” she explains. Great leaders create conditions where people can adapt, perform, and stay engaged.
Key Takeaway: Build a System, Not Just a Program
If you want real transformation, don’t search for the perfect workshop. Build a system that connects training, feedback, daily practice, and a supportive environment. That’s the secret to award-winning talent development.
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