Holcim Academy launches pioneer LEADS leadership programme

24 September 2015 06:30 pm Views - 2287

 From left: Holcim Lanka L&D/Employee Engagement Manager Maliyadewa Ranasinghe, Holcim Lanka Organisation and HR Director Prasad Piyadigama, PIM Director Prof. Ajantha Dharmasiri, JKH HR/CSR/Legal President Dilani alagaratnam and SAGT General Manager HR Chandana Wijeynama  


 In a move to promote knowledge sharing and diversified learning, Holcim Lanka’s Holcim Academy jointly launched yet another flagship programme as Leadership Exploration And Development through Synergies (LEADS), with several other corporates. The programme launch was held recently at the Postgraduate Institute for Management (PIM). 

The uniqueness of this LEADS programme is that it brings together the best and the brightest from several top corporates in a bid to promote cross-cultural learning through a structured ‘Certification’ programme delivered by Sri Lanka’s premier business school - PIM. The Human Resources Heads of John Keells Holdings (representing Union Assurance as well) and South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding together at this ceremony, marking this as a great start. The first batch is expected to comprise of 30 participants in mid-level managerial roles representing all four corporates. The LEADS programme is different to traditional leadership programmes as it brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds.

“This is a pioneer initiative as we are the first to host a leadership programme in collaboration with such a diverse membership, varying from different industry leaders. Holcim constantly aims to draw from its resources in order to act as a knowledge hub for others in the industry. LEADS is one of many programmes that Holcim Academy has launched, re-establishing the drive and passion at Holcim Lanka to create a learning culture. This programme aims to provide a joint learning experience, providing some real-life experience based on how top corporate people operate in different environments,” said Director Organisation and HR Prasad Piyadigama commenting on the launch. 

The distinctive features of this programme that go beyond a standard ‘classroom’ learning varies from three panel discussions comprising a mix of top leaders from each corporate, who will be on hand to provide key insights on practical leadership issue. Group case study presentations evaluated by faculty experts from PIM will boost the confidence levels of the participants to think differently in overcoming challenges. Interactive e-modules will see LEADS getting the best of a virtual learning experience as well.

LEADS has also adopted a personality assessment conducted via an online e-tool which will evaluate and provide a detailed report of a participant’s leadership capabilities. This tool, after having rated one’s self-explanation of skills and abilities will be used for one-to-one coaching sessions carried out by an expert in accordance with international standards.

“Apart from the knowledge and the skills that will be imparted, the unique value of this programme will be the learning we will gain from each other,” commented John Keels Holdings Human Resources and CSR President Dilani Alagaratnam. 

PIM Director Prof. Ajantha Dharamasiri commented, “Through the partnership with the Holcim Academy the Postgraduate Institute of Management has a very key role in delivering a high-quality learning experience for the participants of this programme. As we begin this very unique certification programme we aim to ensure and maintain a high standard of learning, while further strengthening our relationship with these corporates in building leadership competencies desired for organisational success.”

Formulated to develop a skilled workforce, Holcim Lanka has set up a fully structured accreditation and certification system through the Holcim Academy in partnership with both local and foreign professional educational institutes.