REDC Conducts Programme for Unilever Pakistan

The Rausing Executive Development Centre (REDC) conducted a programme on Building High Impact Teams for Unilever Pakistan under its custom initiatives. The programme aimed to explore effective tools and techniques that would enable participants to build leadership characteristics for high-level impact and personal influence, develop and manage teams for improved performance, enhance communication skills for employee engagement and action, acquire confidence and work skills to overcome stress as well as handle conflicts sensibly, fairly, and collaboratively.

Designed as a highly engaging 4-day intervention based at the REDC’s residential facility, the programme was directed by LUMS faculty, Dr. Arif Nazir Butt and Dr. Muhammad Adeel Zaffar, who were joined in teaching by Dr. Adnan Zahid. To reinforce the concepts and bring in practical knowledge from experienced professionals, Mr. Aly Yusuf, Chief Financial Officer at Unilever Pakistan and Mr. Arif Ijaz, advisor at Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group (Cement and Textiles), joined as guest speakers.

They shared interesting insights and views on how to deal with anticipated future challenges, build influential leadership and develop people by giving feedback. Participants were exposed to contemporary leadership practices to build team cohesion, decision-making, and conflict management in a high-functioning team environment. Mr. Ravi Talib, Finance Manager BPC, Media & Exports said of the course, “Building High Impact Teams has prepared us to do bigger and better things both professionally and personally. The instructors and the facilities were all top-notch.”

The instructors made use of case studies, simulations, and team activities to ensure active participation and stimulate discussions for a better exchange of ideas. The programme was well-received by the participants who lauded the faculty’s area expertise and ability to impart knowledge.

Adeel Mushtaq, Finance Manager CD especially expressed his appreciation at the interactive activities that were part of the programme. “This four-day energy-packed training has helped us become better leaders of tomorrow! Especially loved the case study and video approach, as well as the self-reflection exercise by Dr. Adnan Zahid. The communication part done by Dr. Adeel Zaffar on which tasks to prioritise and which to delegate will also be very helpful in working as part of a team.”

With a wide range of activities and diverse content ranging from an outdoor experiential team-based exercise to developing a communication matrix, and building introspective leadership characteristics, the programme encouraged participants to learn to value individual differences, gain trust, manage group dynamics, and address issues related to individual personalities, which are necessary to work as part of a team. REDC LUMS looks forward to the continuation of programmes for Unilever Pakistan to assist in continued capacity development in the coming years.