Tata Motors Prepares Leaders with Shark Tank Approach Amidst CV Demerger

Tata Motors is taking significant steps to prepare its leaders for the future as it moves through its commercial vehicle (CV) demerger. The company has tapped a global consultancy to conduct a comprehensive leadership mapping and development programme. Moreover, Tata Motors is forming partnerships with institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad to enhance leadership skills further. This strategy is aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and preparing executives for new challenges.

Shark Tank-Style Innovation Programs

To drive innovation, Tata Motors is exposing its executives to startup ecosystems through programmes similar to Shark Tank. These programmes allow executives to pitch business ideas to a panel of CEOs. Consequently, this exposure helps them adopt fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Additionally, Tata Motors is working with a government-backed entity to integrate Industry 4.0 technologies into their operations. This move is seen as crucial for maintaining future competitiveness in the market.

Thorough Leadership Assessments

Girish Wagh, Executive Director at Tata Motors, shared details about the leadership development process. The management consulting firm conducted thorough assessments of the company's leadership echelons, including L1, L2, and selected L3 leaders. This process included comprehensive 360-degree feedback, psychometric evaluations, group discussions, and benchmarking against industry standards. Consequently, the insights gained were used to develop tailored leadership development plans, supplemented by coaching and specialized training programmes.

Collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad

Tata Motors has also collaborated with IIM Ahmedabad for its L2 executives, numbering around 30 to 40 individuals selected from the commercial and product lines. The goal was to instill "entrepreneurial skills within a large corporate framework." Over a period of nine months, participants engaged in sessions ranging from startup immersions to pitching business ideas to a Shark Tank-style panel of startup CEOs. Wagh explained, "They visited startups as an immersive experience, coming up with business ideas, and presenting to the Shark Tank pool."

Focus on Digital Transformation

In addition to leadership development, Tata Motors is emphasizing digital transformation. The company has partnered with the Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4), a government-promoted body. Moreover, this partnership focuses on training digital leaders in digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). The year-long certification programme includes live projects to ensure that participants can apply their learning practically. Moreover, Tata Motors is collaborating with digitally savvy startups for journey mapping and UI/UX design. This collaboration provides their teams with cutting-edge industry insights, as Wagh explained.

Future Business Units

The development is significant because Tata Motors' demerged CV company will include eight key business units. These units are heavy commercial vehicles, intermediate, light commercial vehicle, and medium commercial vehicles, and commercial vehicle passengers. Additionally, the company will focus on international business, TML Smart City Mobility Solutions, and digital and non-vehicular aspects, such as spares, fluids, and aggregates. Consequently, these units will operate as independent profit centres, each with dedicated teams to enhance value creation. These units will operate as independent profit centres and will have dedicated teams for each segment. The aim is to achieve a sharper focus on value creation, as noted by the top company official.

Tata Motors' approach to leadership development and innovation reflects its commitment to staying competitive and forward-thinking in a rapidly evolving industry.