How cross-functional job rotations support leadership development

In a report by Hindustan Unilever, Anuradha Razdan, Executive Director and Vice President – HR, shared her experience of working in multiple functions throughout her career, which helped her in her present leadership role.

In another report, Rajiv Kapoor, formerly Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Uno Minda, talked about the importance of cross-functional job rotations in building a robust leadership pipeline within the organization.

Uno Minda announces a list of job rotations each year in January, allowing employees to gain holistic experience and be prepared for any opportunity that may arise.

Cross-functional job rotations help break down silos and restrictions, allowing individuals to develop a wide range of skills and be adaptable in any function or role.

Organizations like Colgate-Palmolive India, RPG Group, and Decathlon Sports India offer cross-functional job rotations or training opportunities to their employees.

Colgate-Palmolive India has a programme called ‘Evolve’ that provides employees with on-the-job experiences to build new skills and enhance talent readiness.

RPG Group encourages its employees to take up different roles and offers cross-functional rotations within the group.

Decathlon Sports India is committed to cross-functional job rotations and offers employees the opportunity to explore roles/projects in various departments to gain valuable insights.

Cross-functional job rotations aid in building a leadership pipeline by diversifying skill sets, enhancing adaptability and resilience, offering a broad perspective of the organization, fostering networking and collaboration, identifying leadership potential, promoting innovation, facilitating succession planning, and aligning with the company’s culture.

Leadership teams that have experienced cross-functional and global exposures bring valuable skills and perspectives to their roles.

Organizations like Colgate-Palmolive India, RPG Group, and Decathlon Sports India have benefited from cross-functional job rotations, which have led to a diverse leadership team and improved performance.

Through cross-functional job rotations, employees gain a wide range of skills and experiences, develop adaptability and resilience, broaden their perspective, build networks, exhibit leadership potential, foster innovation, enable succession planning, and align with the company’s culture.

Exemplars of cross-functional job rotations include Colgate-Palmolive India, RPG Group, and Decathlon Sports India, where the majority of the leadership team comprises individuals who have been nurtured internally.

Cross-functional job rotations are essential for leadership development as they provide employees with diverse experiences, enhance their skills, and prepare them for future opportunities.

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Author: OpenAI