Navigating Change at AccessBank Tanzania

In April, I had the honor of working with 50 leaders from AccessBank Tanzania during a crucial time of transformation. The bank had recently announced a significant merger and acquisition, and the executive leadership team, heads of departments, and branch managers were facing the challenges of leading through this period of change. Our intensive coaching program was designed to equip these leaders with the tools and strategies needed to guide their teams with confidence and clarity.

The Need for Change Management

The announcement of a merger and acquisition can create uncertainty and anxiety within any organization. At AccessBank Tanzania, the leadership team recognized the need to address these challenges head-on. They understood that effective change management starts with strong leadership—leaders who can inspire, align their teams, and navigate the complexities of the transition.

Our Coaching Journey

The program began with a 3-day intensive coaching session for branch managers, heads of departments, and key individual contributors. These sessions were hands-on, focusing on practical strategies to manage their teams during the merger. We explored how to maintain team morale, manage the stress of change, and ensure that everyone remained focused on the bank’s goals during this period of uncertainty.

A key component of the coaching was conflict resolution.

Mergers often bring about new dynamics and potential conflicts as teams integrate. Through guided exercises, the leaders learned how to address conflicts constructively, fostering a culture of collaboration rather than competition.

After working with the branch managers and department heads, the program concluded with a focused 2-day coaching session for the top executive team on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. This setting allowed the executives to step back from their daily routines and engage deeply in strategic discussions. The sessions concentrated on high-level decision-making, aligning the leadership’s vision with the bank’s new direction, and preparing them to lead the organization through the upcoming changes.

Strengthening Leadership Amidst Change

A significant focus of the program was helping leaders balance their own responsibilities with the demands of the merger. We explored the importance of role clarity and workload distribution, ensuring that leaders were not overwhelmed by the additional pressures of the transition. This included reassessing team structures and responsibilities to maintain efficiency and motivation during the merger process.

We also emphasized the importance of aligning personal and organizational values during times of change. The leaders reflected on how their values could support the bank’s new direction and how they could model these values to inspire their teams.

The Impact

By the end of the program, the leaders at AccessBank Tanzania had developed a stronger sense of how to lead their teams through the merger and acquisition process. They left with actionable strategies for conflict resolution, change management, and leadership alignment that they could immediately implement within their teams.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One branch manager noted, “The coaching has given me the confidence to lead my team through this change. I now have the tools to manage the challenges that come with the merger.” Another leader shared, “This program has been invaluable in helping us align our leadership approach with the new direction of the bank.”

Conclusion

The team coaching program at AccessBank Tanzania demonstrated the power of leadership in navigating organizational change. By focusing on conflict resolution, values alignment, and strategic leadership, these leaders are now better prepared to guide their teams through the merger with resilience and clarity. If your organization is facing a similar transition, I’m here to support your leaders in making it a success.