The Connective Core: A Lean-In Social Learning Circle for Bankers

Mastering Internal Communication – Vertical, Horizontal & Cross-Functional

Program Overview

A sustainable, peer-driven, tech-enabled communication skills program designed for bankers to collaborate seamlessly across hierarchies, teams, and functions. Instead of a rigid training course, this is a rolling, recursive learning circle where bankers join, practice, refine, and graduate at their own pace—while continuously reinforcing skills through real-world application.

Program Structure: 3 Recursive Phases

(Bankers can enter at any phase and cycle through as needed)

Phase 1: “The Foundation” (4 Weeks)

Focus: Core skills for clarity, brevity, and influence in internal comms.
Format: Facilitator-led workshops + peer feedback loops.
Key Exercises:

1. “The 3-Slide Challenge” – Bankers distill complex updates into 3 slides max, then present via recorded video. Peers critique conciseness.
2. “Meeting in a Box” – Simulate a 15-minute cross-functional briefing (e.g., risk, tech, compliance). Peers rate effectiveness.
3. “Audio-Only Stand-Up” – Daily 90-second voice notes summarizing priorities (sent via Slack). Peers reply with one clarifying question.

Tech Used:

• Teams (video feedback)
• Slack Huddles (live audio practice)
• Miro (collaborative slide refinement)

Phase 2: “The Accelerator” (Ongoing, Self-Paced)

Focus: Real-time application in live meetings, emails, and decks.
Format: Peer coaching + facilitator “nudges.”
Key Exercises:

4. “The Feedback Tag” – During actual meetings, peers assign one “communication MVP” (most effective speaker) and one “polish point” (one area to refine).
5. “The Email Edit War” – Bankers submit real internal emails to a group chat for rapid-fire editing (focus: tone, structure, call-to-action).
6. “The Silent Observer” – Record a team meeting and later analyze who speaks, who doesn’t, and why (focus: inclusion & clarity).

Tech Used:

• MS Teams transcription and AI summary (meeting analytics)
• GPT for Teams (email refinement)
• WhatsApp/Teams “Hot Seat” Group (live feedback)

Phase 3: “The Mastery Loop” (Graduation & Reinvention)

Focus: Leadership comms + sustaining habits.
Format: Alumni role + new challenges.
Key Exercises:

7. “The Reverse Mentor” – Graduates coach junior bankers via short TikTok-style “comm hacks” videos (e.g., “How to Say No to Stakeholders Politely”).
8. “The 6-Word Strategy” – Summarize a quarterly business update in 6 words (forces precision; shared on internal social feed).
9. “The Cross-Functional Sim” – Role-play a high-stakes negotiation (e.g., tech vs. finance) with live peer ratings on persuasion.
10. “The Exit Interview” – Graduates record a 2-minute reflection on their growth (archived as inspiration for new joiners).

Tech Used:

• TikTok-style/IG Reel micro-videos – internal Yammer
• AI-generated “communication scorecards” – e.g., ChatGPT analysis of email tone
• Virtual Reality (VR) meeting sims – for high-pressure practice

Why This Works

✅ Sustainable – No “one-and-done” training; bankers stay engaged via recursive phases.
✅ Real-World Practice – No hypotheticals; all exercises tie to actual work deliverables.
✅ Tech-Enhanced Feedback – AI, video, and social tools keep it modern and engaging.
✅ Flexible Participation – Bankers join/leave at any phase without FOMO.

Sample Learning Journey:

• New Hire? Start at Phase 1.
• Seasoned Manager? Jump into Phase 2 for real-time refinement.
• Alumni? Lead Phase 3 challenges.

Final Thought: This isn’t a “training program”—it’s a communication movement inside the bank.

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