CIS bankers held their Leadership Forum

11 June CIS bankers held their Leadership Forum at the Hyatt Regency Kiev. In this  time of deep crisis for the Ukrainian economy and its banking system in particular, sector specialists gathered to discuss issues on leadership experience, cross-cultural issues and work-life balance.

Fons Trompenaars, a Dutch organisational theorist, author and management consultant, introduced the seven of dimensions of culture and explained their essence in doing business. In particular, he stressed that the American model is based on performance and combines what you do with what you are. By contrast, in Europe this idea is less influential. A different attitude to time allows differentiating cultures into short and long term oriented cultures. While another important feature to bear in mind is internal and external control cultures. Trompenaars outlined that at the end of the day leaders have to learn how to take advantage of the positive side of cultural difference.

Andrzej Olejnik, CMO, Platinum Bank, shared his experience of the challenges he faced in Ukraine. Being an invited Polish top manager, he admitted that he made several management mistakes due to a lack of understanding of cross-cultural differences in the country. For example, he tried to change employee behaviour without understanding the fundamental reason for this behaviour – a lack of trust. Understanding this reason, Olejnik came to the conclusion that this problem is manageable and social rules would be a relevant course of action to take.

The issue of work-life balance for bankers, who are usually extremely busy people, envisaged their abilities of perfect self-management.

Tamas Hak-Kovacs, CEO, OTP Bank, stressed that today a business leader is required to have both professional competence and emotional intellect. Dmytro Krepak, CEO, Kredobank, highlighted the importance of the work-life balance and suggested finding a hobby like he did, namely yoga. Taras Kirichenko, CEO, Pravex-bank, recommended the participants several applications he used for his work and personal projects. Andriy Onistrat, Owner, Head of Supervisory Board, Bank National Kredit, passionately shared details about his journey towards becoming a well-known figure for his activity in social networks and sports.

A lively debate between the panel and audience on whether or not leaders are born, Morten Kriek concluded with the statement that leadership can be taught, as long as you put in the effort to learn and change. There will be many opportunities to learn and develop your leadership skills at the next Ukrainian Leadership Summit to he held on 2-3 October, organised by Morten Kriek, supported by CIS bankers (www.leaders.com.ua).

The Forum was concluded with presentations from partner companies during the executive networking event.