Transformation of L-Bank: Cultural Development as the Foundation for Sustainable Change
In its 100th anniversary year, L-Bank has set an ambitious goal for the future: to become one of Europe’s most modern development banks. Numerous strategic initiatives focused on sustainability, modernization, and digitalization are already underway. To drive the bank forward and make tangible progress toward this vision, a new approach to teamwork and collaboration is essential. This is where undconsorten was able to help initiate a comprehensive cultural change together with L-Bank.
In its anniversary year, tradition merges seamlessly with a forward-looking perspective. Amidst a shifting environment marked by new technologies and social challenges, L-Bank continues to evolve. Partnering with the newly established Human Resources, Organisation & Transformation department, the undconsorten team supported the initiation and launch of an extensive transformation initiative as part of the strategic development.
The project was carried out in three phases:
1. Development of a Target Vision and Transformation Narrative
Based on the competitive landscape, future market challenges, and the current strategy, a clear vision for the bank was developed in collaboration with the Management Board: to become one of Europe’s most modern development banks. To make this vision resonate with everyone, an engaging and convincing narrative was created, combining the bank’s existing strengths with the need for change.
2. Initiation of Cultural Development
L-Bank's strategic pillars—digitalisation, sustainability, and modernisation—form the foundational framework for transformation. Yet, the true effectiveness of these strategies hinges on the way people collaborate. Therefore, key values such as effective leadership, openness to change, continuous development, and active responsibility were defined as cornerstones for L-Bank’s journey forward. Based on these principles, measures were designed to encourage the desired behaviours and reinforce the corporate culture. Examples include promoting delegation and empowerment, enhancing hybrid and cross-divisional work, and strengthening leadership performance. The role of transformation coaches was introduced to facilitate these organisational changes. Employees from various departments have completed a comprehensive training programme to serve as transformation coaches. As points of contact for both managers and employees, they support and propel the change within their divisions.
3. Realisation of a Transformation Event
A large-scale event marked a significant milestone in this transformation journey. The objective was to engage all employees, inspire them with the vision of becoming one of Europe’s most modern development banks, and spark collective curiosity for the future. Under the banner “ZukunftsFORUM”, the event began with a reflective look back at the past 100 years, highlighting milestones such as the integration of public debt management, the historic Elbe flood, the introduction of federal parental allowance, and COVID-19 relief measures. The Executive Board then presented its ambitious vision. But how could such a vision be conveyed in an inspiring and relatable manner? The transformation coaches used film clips from Rush, Mulan, and Apollo 13 to humorously and sometimes exaggeratedly illustrate the building blocks of the vision and the associated behaviours. The remainder of the day was devoted to deeper discussions and interactive dialogue.
The close cooperation laid the foundation for a transformation that will lead not only L-Bank itself, but also its customers and thus indirectly the entire state of Baden-Württemberg into a successful future.
"The ZukunftsFORUM marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and cultural development at L-Bank. We look forward to taking all employees on this inspiring journey into the future."
Dr. Bernd Blessin
Head of Human Resources, Organisation and Transformation
Facts about the company
L-Bank is the state development bank of Baden-Württemberg. As the state’s bank, L-Bank supports the economy and society with tailored development programs and financial services across corporate finance, housing construction, environment and infrastructure, as well as family, education, and social services. With over 1,500 employees at its locations in Karlsruhe and Stuttgart, L-Bank is dedicated to helping its clients achieve their growth and development goals.
In the break-out sessions, employees recorded their personal commitment to L-Bank in writing. These were then placed in individual boxes, which were arranged into a mosaic-like wall during the event.
The logo for L-Bank's 100th anniversary was developed to create a strong anchor that would remind both employees and business partners of this special anniversary on various occasions throughout the year. As part of the Future Forum, the focus was on combining a review of L-Bank's successful history with an outlook for the future.
How can the diversity of employees be depicted in the annual report? For the event, all employees were given the opportunity to have their individual characters recorded. Many of these characters were then integrated into detailed hidden object pictures. This also visually emphasised the fact that L-Bank is a team that works together to write its success story.
The ZukunftsFORUM took place in March 2024 in the Gartenhalle Karlsruhe and was a big success. The event was characterised by a positive atmosphere, authentic performances by employees on stage and an approachable Executive Board.
Broadening perspectives - further topics
Successful organisations are characterised by a common direction, effective positioning, committed employees, efficient managers, high-performing teams, a constructive culture and experience with change. These characteristics are closely interlinked and reinforce each other.
Corporate Culture
Strengthening teams and organisations with effective leaders. Our approach is based on the conviction that organisational structures only really come to life through the enthusiasm and commitment of employees. It is about transforming formal ideas into tangible reality - and this can only succeed with each individual in the team.
Strategic Orientation
Clear and common goals are essential for successful organisations. They provide orientation in the market and for internal collaboration. Linking business strategy with vision and purpose is crucial. The larger the organisation, the more important it is to have a clear direction. Our approach anchors common goals in structures and processes, supported by proven methods to ensure a high willingness to change.
HR Transformation
Committed employees are the key to success. Effective HR strategies foster their growth and create productive work environments. We support the development of customised HR solutions and the empowerment of HR employees to achieve top performance together.
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