EPD and Bank of China (NZ) launch dynamic leadership course emphasising cross-functional collaboration
In today’s fast-paced and dynamic business environment, the ability to collaborate across various functions is crucial for success. In navigating the challenges and opportunities that arise, it becomes increasingly clear that creating cross-functional working opportunities is not just a goal but a necessity. One powerful avenue to achieve this is through a strategic focus on leadership development.
Bank of China (New Zealand) Limited (BOCNZ) recently partnered with Executive and Professional Development (EPD) to design and deliver a bespoke leadership development programme for 26 of their new and emerging managers. They wanted to invest in developing these talented individuals to ensure they had the right tools and mindset to perform their roles to the best of their ability and drive an even better experience for their customers.
EPD staff with managers from Bank of China (New Zealand) Limited (BOCNZ) who attended a bespoke leadership development course.
In co-designing the programme with BOCNZ, we paid particular attention to the specific needs of the participant group and some of the key challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. Through the programme, we provided opportunities for them to move from execution to strategy, supporting them to balance the tension around ‘getting things done’ with the need to take a leadership role in enabling and empowering others to do the work.
In a fast-paced environment where they are juggling many demands on their time, they were also seeking to create more opportunities for collaboration across different business functions. Leadership development provides a platform for leaders from diverse functions to come together, share insights, enhance their understanding of the broader system and find opportunities for increased collaboration. This shared knowledge becomes a catalyst for improved communication across the business, enhancing individual performance and setting the stage for a more collaborative and integrated organisational culture and a more agile and responsive organisation.
This cultural shift has a cascading effect, encouraging team members at all levels to collaborate more effectively across functions. But collaboration isn’t just about breaking down silos; it’s about leveraging diverse perspectives to drive innovation. This diversity in thought leads to more robust problem-solving and the generation of innovative solutions that may not have been possible within a more isolated, function-specific approach.
“Our current and emerging people leaders play a significant role in improving both the customer and employee experience, so finding the right development solution with a reputable learning institution was imperative for us”, says BOCNZ CEO Warren Hu. “In partnering with EPD, we were confident from the outset that they clearly understood our needs, and this has been proven by the very positive outcomes the programme has delivered to date”.
The BOCNZ Leadership Development Programme empowered participants with essential skills, knowledge and confidence needed to drive superior performance within their teams and contribute to the ongoing success of the organisation. But it was also an investment in the organization’s long-term success. By breaking down silos, fostering a collaborative culture, and enhancing problem-solving and innovation, this example illustrates how leadership development can become a powerful catalyst for positive change.
