Management engagement in the financial sector

The financial sector is changing, and in the winter of 2012 Danske Bank accelerate their transformational process. The ambition was to create the bank of tomorrow that would outdo the Danske Bank of yesterday. A broad range of initiatives support the new strategy that, among other things, focuses on a stronger and more nuanced customer focus, new online services and a reorganisation.

Involving the management group in the Danish part of the organisation was pivotal. Their commitments and contribution was necessary for a successful transformation with a change in culture and mindset.

To achieve this, 550 Danish leaders and managers were assembled in Fredericia for an intensive day of strategy focusing on the central questions of the strategy: Why, What and How?

The event was structured as a storytelling rite of passage. The goal was a meaningful retelling of the banks strategic position and identity with respect for the existing strong culture and strengths.

The programme contained powerful keynote presentations, inspiration from the national football coach Morten Olsen and active participant involvement.

Workz master the difficult balance between having the guts to present the customer to unconventional solutions and at the same time being able to think receiver-oriented and realisable

A number of dramatic changes of scenery and innovative processes created momentum throughout the day. Among other things an entire conference room was redecorated as a football field.

Workz assisted with assisted in several ways. From consulting on change communication and designing the day to the development of reflection and dialogue tools based on our reflection-journey concept.

 “Workz combine a strong strategic understanding with a high degree of creativity. We were helped exactly the way we needed: A quick understanding of the bank’s change situation and a number of targeted and immediately applicable solutions that we could not have come up with ourselves. Workz master the difficult balance between having the guts to present the customer to unconventional solutions and at the same time being able to think receiver-oriented and realisable. Working with Workz is both an educational and playful process” says Trine Ahrenkiel, head of communications in Danske Bank.

Danske Bank is one of the largest Nordic financial conglomerates with more than 21,00 employees and is present in 9 countries. Workz have previously helped Danske Bank with – among other things – change communication, leadership development and movie production.