In an executive sparring session, the sparring partner takes on the role of coach or mentor. The sparring partner should have experience and expertise in the respective area. Sparring should take place regularly in order to achieve a lasting effect.

Sparring is a form of training in which two people practise with each other to improve their skills. The principle of sparring can also be applied to managers. In a management sparring session, two managers meet to advise and support each other.

The aim of executive sparring

The aim of executive sparring is to help executives improve their skills and competencies. The following topics can be discussed:

Strategy and planning: How can I achieve my goals?

Leadership style and communication: How can I lead my employees better?

Personal development: How can I develop as a manager?

How does executive sparring work?

Executive sparring is a confidential and open discussion between two executives. The two discussion partners are on an equal footing and work together to solve problems. Sparring can take the form of individual or group discussions. The duration of the sparring session can vary, but is usually between one and three months.

Advantages of executive sparring

Executive sparring offers the following advantages:

• Reflection: Management sparring offers the opportunity to reflect on yourself and your work.
• Feedback: Leadership sparring offers the opportunity to receive feedback from an experienced person.
• Support: Management sparring offers support in the implementation of changes.

How algorithm-based matching improves the quality of tandems

Deutsche Bahn, for example, uses management sparring with CHEMISTREE to promote its managers and now offers two programs on a joint platform: management sparring and the Women Mentoring Program. Sparring and mentoring programs used to be matched manually in the DB Group at great expense, at a fixed point in time and almost exclusively within individual business units. Today, an algorithm-based process is used with the help of a platform from CHEMISTREE. This offers significant advantages in terms of the complexity, speed and quality of tandem formation. A theoretically unlimited number of criteria, including personal preferences, can be incorporated and fine-tuned using weightings and knock-out filters.

Executive sparring is more than just an exchange of ideas – it is a powerful tool for promoting leadership skills and increasing efficiency in companies. By bringing leaders together in tandems that are perfectly matched to their needs and challenges, a synergy is created that supports both personal development and the strategic direction of the organization. With CHEMISTREE’s algorithm-based matching, this process is not only simplified, but also raised to a new level of quality. If companies want to fully exploit the potential of their managers, a tailor-made sparring program is a crucial step – and we at CHEMISTREE are ready to shape this path together.