KATHMANDU: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kathmandu Thamel has completed a leadership development programme that uses behavioural assessments and personalised coaching instead of conventional classroom-based training, marking what the hotel describes as a new approach to leadership development in Nepal's hospitality industry.

The three-day programme, conducted from July 29 to 31 in partnership with leadership development firm Impact Yes, involved 22 employees, including nine department heads. Participants underwent leadership assessments before receiving individual diagnostic reports and personalised action plans designed to improve their leadership skills.

The programme is based on GALA (Gap Analysis for Leadership Alignment), a leadership framework developed by Impact Yes that combines assessment, coaching, training and post-programme follow-up. Department heads completed the GALA Executive Assessment, while other participants undertook the Mini-GALA Vector9 Assessment.

According to the hotel, the initiative reflects a shift from standardised leadership training towards individual development based on measurable leadership behaviours.

General Manager Mahesh Phuyal said the programme encouraged active participation and practical learning.

"Unlike many leadership programmes I've attended, this training was highly participatory. Everyone was engaged, everyone contributed, and we learned from one another. If leadership is clear and well understood across an organisation, growth follows."

The initiative is the first major outcome of a partnership between Ramada Encore Kathmandu and Impact Yes established in April 2025. According to the partners, the programme was designed to reflect Nepal's workplace culture rather than relying solely on imported international training models.

Before the programme began, discussions with staff highlighted concerns that some standard e-learning courses did not adequately reflect local working environments. Participants also emphasised the importance of face-to-face coaching delivered within Nepal's cultural context.

Impact Yes Co-Founder Kovid Panthy said the organisation developed the framework to make leadership measurable rather than relying primarily on motivational training.

Co-Founder Kim Baaden said the company works with organisations by adapting leadership development to each workplace's culture instead of applying a single standard model.

Duty Manager Nikhil Mukhia said the assessment helped him identify areas for improvement and provided a clearer roadmap for his professional development.

The hotel plans to expand the programme to additional employees while introducing regular coaching sessions to monitor progress on individual development plans.

Impact Yes, headquartered in Delaware, United States, develops leadership frameworks including Vector9, GALA and Pactomics and works with organisations internationally.