Building a sense of family at Visa Europe: Leadership development stimulates “ripples in the pond”

Abstract

Purpose

Describes the challenges faced by Visa Europe's leadership‐development program (LDP) in its fifth year and the approaches Visa Europe has taken to keep the program fresh, and to accelerate the development of a coaching culture in the business – one of the original objectives for the program.

Design/methodology/approach

Details how short‐term secondments have been introduced to get participants into a part of the business that differs from their own, and the challenges that have had to be overcome to make the secondments work well. Highlights the roles of IMD, for the business‐school program, and Stellar Consulting Ltd, for one‐to‐one development coaching.

Findings

Reveals that building the coaching skills of a key group of LDP alumni has helped to accelerate the growth of a coaching culture. The program has linked people in a web of internal networks, and helped to break down organization silos because participants appreciate the challenges faced by other functional areas. Individuals are stretched, challenged, and moved out of their comfort zone and into their development zone. The program helps to identify and develop the best people and helps Visa Europe to retain them. The project element of the LDP has helped to ensure the successful delivery of some key business projects.

Practical implications

Examines how Visa Europe will be looking at the next phase of the development of LDP alumni, and considering them as a key part of the talent pool for the future of the business.

Originality/value

Shows that, after five years, Visa Europe has the advantage of a substantial alumni group who have a positive impact on the fabric of the organization.

Citation

Ahlfeldt, D. and Cramb, J. (2007), "Building a sense of family at Visa Europe: Leadership development stimulates “ripples in the pond”", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 6-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730710735672