In today’s competitive landscape, identifying and nurturing top talent is crucial for any organisation’s success. Sterlite Technologies (STL) understood this and embarked on a quest to unlock employee potential in innovative ways. Their answer? A programme unlike any other – ACT Up.
Imagine a world where career progression isn’t a rigid climb up a ladder, but a dynamic launchpad. This is the core philosophy behind ACT Up, a programme designed to fast-track promising junior and mid-level employees. “We break the mould,” says Anjali Byce, STL’s G-CHRO. “ACT Up recognises potential and propels deserving individuals into A-level positions, creating a ‘new now’ for our organisation.”
The programme’s journey began with a spark – posing hypothetical scenarios to unearth hidden gems. What would you do if you were CEO for a day? This simple question ignited a firestorm of creative solutions, revealing employees with a keen eye for business impact.
But ACT Up wasn’t content with just brainstorming. It evolved into tackling real, live business challenges with concrete implementations. Think ‘Shark Tank’ meets corporate training. Young talent faces a panel of senior leaders, pitching solutions to complex problems. This high-pressure environment not only tests their mettle but also exposes their potential to excel at higher levels.
“ACT Up recognises potential and propels deserving individuals into A-level positions, creating a ‘new now’ for our organisation.”
Anjali Byce, G-CHRO, STL
The programme is multifaceted, catering to diverse needs with various versions, but the core objective remains constant – accelerating talent. Rigorous evaluations ensure the chosen participants are well-equipped for the challenge. Managers, acting as sponsors, play a critical role in the selection process, nominating high performers with demonstrable potential and a hunger to learn and grow beyond their current roles.
To maintain objectivity, the jury uses a structured scoring system. Gone are the days of subjective evaluations. A standardised online platform ensures fairness and transparency as jury members assess the strategic intent, clarity of impact, and innovation of each pitch. Scoring is just one piece of the puzzle; in-depth discussions delve deeper into the feasibility and potential ramifications of each proposed solution.
Success is a two-way street at STL. ACT Up’s effectiveness is measured through both people and business metrics. Promotions, career progression, and overall development track the human impact. Employees who participate in ACT Up emerge with not only a feather in their cap but also the skills and experiences necessary to take on greater challenges within the organisation. Meanwhile, cost savings, process improvements, and other tangible outcomes showcase the programme’s business value.
One shining example lies in the realm of supply chain management. An ACT Up team, a diverse blend of minds from various departments, tackled the challenge of streamlining raw material and work-in-progress inventory. Their strength wasn’t just in their technical expertise but also in their ability to think outside the box. Drawing inspiration from seemingly disparate industries such as automotive, they devised ingenious solutions that delivered significant improvements. The impact was undeniable, with cost savings that were tracked for months before being rolled out across the entire organization.
“ACT Up’s adaptability is a key strength,” Byce reveals. “It helps us cultivate well-rounded leaders with the broader skillsets needed to head various business units.” Since its inception, the programme boasts a remarkable 25 per cent promotion rate amongst participants, a testament to its effectiveness in identifying and nurturing future leaders.
ACT Up transcends a mere talent development programme. It embodies STL’s unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. By empowering high-potential employees and providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and ideas, STL isn’t just unlocking potential – it’s propelling the organisation towards a brighter future. The spirit of ACT Up burns brightly, shaping the future of STL’s workforce and setting a new standard for talent development. This innovative programme not only fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement but also injects a much-needed dose of creativity and fresh perspectives into STL’s operations, ensuring the company stays ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving business landscape.