How important is training, specifically management development, to Belgacom?
Jean-Marc Verbist: “Training is a key focal point for Belgacom. Our own Corporate University, which has about 50 full-time staff, is tangible proof of that. All of our 17.000 employees receive in average 35 hours of training a year. Courses in management and leadership are aimed at the top 200, the ‘high potentials’ and team leaders in our organisation. Three programs are specifically designed for senior managers and high flyers: ‘House of Development I, II and III’, which are tailored in-house programmes developed in close cooperation with external partners. HOD I is a four-day leadership programme that gives 16 participants the opportunity to refine their leadership skills. Each of the sessions is attended by four members of the Management Committee. The time invested by senior management is indicative of the importance accorded to the training. HOD II focuses on financial management and strategy development. We also organise HOD III once or twice a year, drawing on Vlerick’s experti
