Adopter - Case Studies
IBM
Talent Development
AAB has been working with IBM since 2007 to offer a structured programme aimed at challenging and developing IBM’s top talent.
IBM say the overall aim of the Top Talent programme is ‘to develop the leaders of tomorrow’ and part of what makes IBM stand out from the crowd is their willingness to invest in their high potential people by providing them with the opportunity to expand their thinking and develop their confidence and skill in a totally new environment, completely outside of their comfort zones in the Developing World.
The AAB programme challenges participants to go to India and use their business skills on 4-week assignments (Outzone Experiences) with carefully selected partner organizations addressing a range of important issues such as eye care, disability, sustainable livelihoods and education.
The participants have to pass through a competitive selection processes before being connected with specific assignment opportunities that are matched to their unique skills, development needs and personalities. By challenging themselves in an unfamiliar environment and helping the partner organizations to develop, participants build self awareness and self confidence to take on new challenges and thrive in them upon their return.
In addition participating executives enhance and develop their cultural understanding and build expertise about emerging markets which in turn assists IBM in its ability to function as a globally integrated enterprise.
Upon completion of their assignments, a number of the assignees have been able to link the projects that they were working with to the IBM On-demand community within India. This initiative is helping to mobilise further support for the partner organisations using IBM extensive resource within India increasing the impact and benefit of the initiative for all those involved.
To date 10 individuals have participated in the programme which continues to form part of the IBM talent management agenda providing a flexible assignment model for executives.
The relationship that AAB has facilitated between IBM and one of the partner organizations involved, Aravind has been recognised as best practice in a case study in the periodical, Strategic HR Review - .
“One of the most significant things for me was realising that the skills that I use everyday and have always felt to be more common sense are transferable. Also the experience has given me a view of how to apply them to different situation”. Rob Sedman, IBM, Jan 2008
“I feel that I am more flexible day to day now, generally more pragmatic and optimistic when things are moving forwards and more direct when tackling difficult subjects. The Outzone Experience has made me consider organisations, culture and people in different ways.” Richard Goldsby, IBM, April 2008
“This has been the best personal and professional development opportunity I have ever had, has opened my eyes in so many ways I could never have imagined and has left me feeling humbled, inspired, motivated and re-energised!” Carolyn Taylor, IBM, April 2009