THE AGE-OLD debate about whether leaders are born or made is a topic that could go on forever, but at Manulife (International) the feeling is that with the right support and management training, elements of leadership can be taught.
The company helps managers to become successful leaders by offering training programmes that improve the conceptual abilities of managers, tap individuals' personal needs, interests and self-esteem, and help managers move beyond any personal barriers.
Manulife identified the need for leadership programmes after the company carried out a manager engagement and evaluation review, with the assistance of a specialist consulting company, 18 months ago.
'We discovered that in many cases managers could carry out their duties more efficiently by developing their core leadership skills,' said Michael Huddart, Hong Kong executive vice-president and general manager, Manulife (International).
The engagement and evaluation review involves senior managers at executive and vice-president level and those who manage the areas below them. Senior managers take part in a 360-degree evaluation process that involves self assessment, assessment from those they report to, and from the people they manage.
Those who hold less senior positions carry out self-assessment by completing a questionnaire. Before the assessment exercises begin, managers attend training programmes and workshops.