Land O’Lakes Transforms Technology Team Collaboration

Piercing Strategies team on-site at Land O’Lakes | Focus Forward technology leadership program, 2024

Focus Forward Team Alignment Program Drives 96% Relevance Rating and 89% Behavior Change Commitment

By The Numbers
  • 96% of participants rated the program highly relevant to their leadership role
  • 89% committed to specific behavior changes post-program
  • 28% increase in understanding inclusive leadership responsibilities
  • 24% increase in confidence creating psychological safety
Snapshot

Client: Land O’Lakes
Business Unit: Technology Division
Challenge: Scale collaborative leadership practices across a growing technology organization
Program: Focus Forward 6-month team alignment program
Participants: 73 people leaders  
Timeline: 6 months

The Challenge

Land O’Lakes sought to strengthen collaboration and inclusive leadership practices across their technology division. As the organization grew, they wanted to ensure technology leaders had the skills to build high-performing, collaborative teams and create environments where all team members could contribute effectively.

The Solution

We implemented Focus Forward, our 6-month team alignment program applying the H.U.M.A.N. First™ to team dynamics. The program was delivered through team workshops and learning circles to reinforce learning through peer-to-peer connection.

Program included:

      • Team vision and purpose alignment
      • Our proprietary Crossroads framework for conflict navigation
      • Communication and accountability practices
      • Psychological safety creation techniques
      • Inclusive leadership development
Impact & Results

Leadership Development:

  • 28% increase in understanding inclusive leadership responsibilities
  • 24% increase in confidence creating psychological safety
  • Enhanced ability to navigate difficult conversations

Program Engagement:

  • 96% found the program highly relevant to their leadership role
  • 89% committed to specific behavior changes post-program

Team & Organizational Impact:

  • Teams established shared communication norms and accountability practices
  • Increased cross-functional collaboration
  • Leaders regularly apply program framework in team interactions
  • Improved innovation as psychological safety strengthened
    Key Takeaways
    • Relationship-based development creates lasting change. The 6-month structure allowed teams to build authentic connections and practice new behaviors with ongoing support.
    • Psychological safety is developable. Our framework gave leaders practical tools for creating collaborative team environments.
    • Shared learning accelerates adoption. Having leadership teams participate together created shared language and mutual accountability.

    I brought the Focus Forward program to our team at Land O’Lakes because I wanted to ensure we had the right tools to operate as one unified high-performing team. The results have far exceeded my expectations.

    The feedback has been consistently positive—from people leaders and independent contributors alike. For our people leaders, the program helped answer a critical question: How do you create a space that’s positive, inclusive, and safe—where every team member feels their voice is valued? For our independent contributors, it offered clarity on how to actively participate in those spaces and contribute meaningfully.

    What truly impressed me was how the Piercing Strategies team tailored the entire experience to reflect our values and leadership expectations. It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it was built for us, and that made it resonate deeply.

     Focus Forward has strengthened our team dynamics and equipped us with practical tools we use every day. It’s not just a program—it’s a shift in how we lead, collaborate, and show up in the moments that matter most.

    Teddy Bekele, Chief Technology Officer
    Land O’Lakes