Adopter - Case Studies
Lloyds Banking Group
HBOS Discovery
Overview
HBOS Discovery was a leadership development programme designed and delivered by Adopt a Business for talented managers in HBOS.
Between November 2005 & April 2008 (before the onset of the Credit Crunch) the programme sent twenty-two level 4 and 5 managers to work on individual 4-week assignments in India. The assignees were all identified as having the potential to progress within the company and were challenged with using their business skills to support a range of carefully selected partner organizations addressing issues such as education, healthcare and clean energy.
Objectives
The aim of the programme was:
- to equip participants with the skills and self-confidence to take on new challenges in the organization upon return and thrive in them
- to offer some inspirational development opportunities as part of the talented employee value proposition
- to increase the international exposure of future leaders with the organization
- to make a positive social impact in India as part of CSR
Outcomes
Participants invariably reported amazing (sometime life-changing experiences) which had a profound affect on their perspectives as well as amazing them with the self-confidence to take on new challenges Data collected on the participants showed that participants were twice as likely as their peers (non-participating managers with the potential to progress) to make lateral and higher level job moves within a given time frame post-experience
Phil Hodkinson, Group Finance Director (2005-2007) and sponsor of the programme said, “Participants have developed their influencing skills, gained a greater understanding of cultural differences and improved self confidence. 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”.
Richard Wade, then head of talent management, said the initiative had led to people thinking more about their development. “Another benefit was the opportunity for colleagues in the assignees’ teams to cover their roles and take on additional responsibilities during their time away,”
The programme was recognised as piece of best practice by Business in the Community and gained recognition through CIPD.
Within India, the partner organisations were very supportive and appreciative of the work undertaken by HBOS assignees. While each assignment has a very different feel, with different themes, outputs and outcomes, in terms of overall satisfaction the average score of the adoptees was 4.5/5.
A case study presentation and a copy of the CIPD article can be found at the bottom of this page.
Testimonials
One of the biggest insights during my assignment was realising the fact that I actually knew more that I thought I did. My time with Dream a Dream confirmed the useful application of my experience and skills and has increased my confidence in my abilities.
James Holroyd, November 2007
Although the Outzone Experience was tough in many ways, I wouldn’t change this as I found a resolve and determination that I suspected existed in me but had never really been tested! I'm confident that no other 'learning' or 'training' experience would have offered me this. I came back feeling almost invincible
Kate Slater, November 2007
This has been a hugely beneficial experience for me both from a Business and Personal angle and I have already begun to re-appraise my approach to family life and my role within HBOS, re-evaluating priorities and the important aspects of life. I can only offer my sincere thanks to HBOS, AAB and APD for giving me this opportunity to have such an incredible and challenging experience.
Gordon McCracken, January 2008
I was surprised at how many different ways my personal development was stretched. The return to work has been helped by a new role. The prospect of the assignment acted as a catalyst for this change and actually undertaking the assignment now feels like the perfect bridge between my old and new roles. On a personal level its been a massive success.
Chris Bevan, January 2008
“It has to be one of the most, if not the most, amazing experiences and opportunities of my life ” Lisa Nichols, March 2006
“'I thought I could' when approaching new and challenging situations now 'I know I can’”,
Sam Hartley, February 2006
“The whole month was one of the best experiences of my whole life”
Craig Guthrie, February 2007
| Filename | Comment |
|---|---|
| Click Here | Detailed Case study |
| Click Here | CIPD People Management Article |