Building an Innovation Sector at NLB Bank Serbia
Background
The financial sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with innovation becoming the key driver of competitive advantage. NLB Bank recognized the need to establish a dedicated innovation sector to spearhead this transformation. However, the challenge was to identify and train the right individuals who could effectively drive innovation across the organization.
Assignment
NLB Bank had a diverse team of 250 regional managers, each with unique skills and approaches. The goal was to create a cohesive innovation sector within the bank by selecting and training a core team from these managers. The task was to deliver comprehensive education on innovation, focusing on behavioral economics/psychology, lateral thinking, design thinking, and user experience (UX) principles, ultimately selecting 25 managers who would lead the bank’s innovation efforts.
Process&outcome
To ensure a consistent and impactful approach, I conducted extensive training sessions tailored to the bank's needs. The curriculum combined behavioral economics, lateral thinking, and design thinking methodologies, equipping participants with practical tools and techniques to foster innovation within their teams. These sessions focused on:
- Behavioral Economics/Psychology: Providing insights into customer behavior and decision-making processes, crucial for designing innovative financial products and services.
- Lateral Thinking: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the development of unconventional ideas.
- Design Thinking & UX: Emphasizing a user-centric approach in product and service design to enhance customer experiences.
OUTCOME
The creation of this dedicated innovation team marked a pivotal step in NLB Bank’s transformation journey. By focusing on equipping key personnel with the knowledge and skills required for innovation, the bank is now well-positioned to develop cutting-edge financial solutions, enhance customer experience, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.