"Participants have developed their influencing skills and gained a greater understanding of cultural differences.”
PH, HBOS (Client)

Lloyds Banking GroupLloyds (HBOS)

HBOS Discovers Development through Experience

Building the self-confidence of managers to take on new challenges and thrive in them was the core driver for the HBOS leadership programme developed by Emerging World.

Called the Discovery programme, HBOS sent twenty-two talented managers to work on four-week long placements in India. The programme had three main objectives: to offer inspirational development opportunities as part of the talented employee value proposition; to increase the international exposure of future leaders with the organization; and to make a positive social impact in India as part of HBOS’ CSR activity.

By the end of their individual assignments, participants were equipped with the confidence and skills to take on new challenges within HBOS on their return to the UK.

Emerging World was responsible for the selection and recruitment of assignees, identification of potential partner organisations and all logistical matters relating to the programme. Recognised as an example of best practice by Business in the Community, Discovery was a great example of the wide-reaching benefits that can be achieved business-wide by a small number of participants.

“Discovery was a carefully planned exercise. Not only did individual assignees gain new experience, but HBOS put time and effort into testing the capability of people back in the office to cover the role while the assignee was away,” explains Matthew Farmer, Managing Director, Emerging World. “Each assignment was very different – from education, to healthcare, to clean energy - spreading the new knowledge wide across the business.”

“I have seen the lasting benefits – to individuals, to the business and to the partner organizations. Participants have developed their influencing skills, gained a greater understanding of cultural differences and improved self confidence,” said Phil Hodkinson, former Group Finance Director HBOS. “When they see that their skills can be transferred into a completely different culture, taking on new responsibilities back at HBOS doesn’t seem so daunting.”