Moving from 'Learning' to solving a 'Real Business Issue'
Focus on solving a business issue
Learning returns the highest benefit when it is properly applied to solving real business problems. We recommend the line manager and the employee agree on measurable goals that will address known business issues.
The employee might then need to attend a development program such as this workshop. The objective is not just to attend a workshop, but rather to increase the employee’s business and financial acumen, and as a direct result of this development program, identify and help achieve specific, measurable, value-creating performance goals. To illustrate moving from learning-related goals to performance-related goals, we have prepared the following suggestions, which of course should be modified to meet the specific needs of the line manager and employee.
A business issue is on the table
Manager asks employee to solve the business issue
Training takes place with the issue in mind
Employee focuses on solving the issue
Employee reports outcome
Issue needs to be solved asap
Employee is unclear how to do that
Definition of KPIs to solve the issue
Training will be recommended to help solve the issue
Maybe a workshop
Maybe on-line
Employee addresses the issue with the newly acquainted knowledge
Employee shares how it was possible to meet the KPIs
Issue is solved
Value creating performance
Value-Creating Goal
Thanks to your strong L&H transaction knowledge, once the client’s needs have been identified and after discussion with the BD, develop one new business opportunity and add it to the sales pipeline.
Suggested application tasks in order to meet the above-mentioned goal
After assessing the reasons why a client would enter into a L&H structured solution, present your findings to a junior team member. Secondly, consider the different types of underlying risks Swiss Re may be offered to take on with L&H transactions and assess what you think would be the most to least favorable classes – present your findings to Business Development (BD). Finally, think about a client’s portfolio, in order to answer the question, which clients might be interested in potentially discussing L&H structured solutions, and why? Discuss your findings with your XFT leader.
Summary
Addressing business issues - in a context of learning - promises to produce impressive ROIs.
When we consider all the benefits and costs, this type of training/development investment creates significant value and provides impressive quantifiable returns, both for the employee and for Swiss Re. Therefore, this approach moves us far beyond "just learning something"; it focuses us on the positive business outcomes by quantifying the expected costs and resulting value creation.
Our Thoughts – the Return on Investment (ROI) Calculation
This activity promises a strong ROI of 294%
The sections below reveal our calculation.
Select each thought (+) to learn more about it.
Quantifiable value: Assume that a unit of total sales goal in the market equates to US$100,000,000 which comprises 1,000 individual opportunities, the value of a new opportunity is imputed at US$100,000 (US$100,000,000/1,000).
We assume that the contribution from each new opportunity could be 5%. The value therefore can be calculated this way: US$100,000 x 5%, which equates to US$5,000 in benefit.
Non-quantifiable value: Besides this measurable value, there are also non-quantitative benefits of this workshop. For example, the value of enhancing finance and business acumen/competencies of the employee, plus the enhancement of work quality, all of which materialize over time.
Assume the cost of participating in the half-day training is US$300 which is the Swiss Re average cost.
Also assume the opportunity cost for being away from the desk for half a day is US$700. Further assume half a day of work is required to apply the findings and to achieve the above-mentioned performance goal, which adds an additional US$700 opportunity cost for not being productive.
Therefore, the total cost of this learning investment is assumed to be US$1,700 (US$300 + US$700 + US$700).
The ROI in this case equates to a high 294% (US$5,000/US$1,700).
Don’t forget this ROI calculation is not considering the above-mentioned non-quantifiable value.
Additional savings could result since the savings could reoccur in subsequent years and the learnings from the workshop could be applied to other situations. In your own individual case, the numbers may differ, our intention here is to offer an example for creating your own ROI calculations.
Agree on your goal
Structured learning
Social learning
On-the-job learning
Select each light blue number to discover more.
Talk with your manager - Agree on an outcome based goal.
Prepare online.
Who is this for?
Priority on client facing functions, Products Hub and other enabling functions
Competency level:
Completing the training options will raise the competency level to "basic". Completing the "20%" and "70%" actions will raise the competency level from "basic" to approaching "proficient".
We suggest using the text below for your development goal:
"To be regarded as a person in your area who is able to explain what L&H transactions are, the key elements of L&H transactions and the process to create L&H transactions".
Avoid: Attend workshop xyz
What are the requirements?
Good understanding of L&H reinsurance solutions. Knowledge about basic finance concepts are also a prerequisite to attend.
Class based. Get the basics quickly.
Workshop: "Understanding L&H Transactions"
Duration: 3 hours
Description: L&H Transactions (traditional and structured) are at the core of SR L&H strategy for the forthcoming years. Due to the implementation of Solvency II and market dynamics the need of structured solutions has increased.
As a consequence both client facing and internal focussed colleagues need to be able to identify the existing opportunities and communicate in the "structured" language of transactions.
The workshop will focus on the following topics:
Deal origination
Deal structuring
Deal execution
Case study
Objectives:
After this workshop the participants will have a good knowledge of the three key pillars of a L&H transaction: origination, structuring and execution
Talk to LHSS (L&H Structured Solutions) and CM team members within the company about their experience designing and selling transactions for their clients, and capture the points they raise
Try to describe and explain a L&H reinsurance transaction to a friend or family member
Identify from SR internal management updates what L&H transactions we have written recently - and present your findings to your mentor. Ask specific questions to deepen your understanding
Review the Sigma study (2016) on tailored reinsurance, and step through in detail the L&H transactions described
Recommended on-the-job assignments
Research recent L&H topics relating to transactions, and present your findings to a knowledgeable peer
Analyze reasons why a client would transact on a L&H structured solution and present your summary to a junior team member
Consider the different types of underlying risk SR may be offered to take on LHSS transactions and compare what you think would be the most to least favorable classes
Think about your client portfolio to answer the following question: Which clients might be interested in potentially discussing L&H Structured Solutions, and why? Discuss your findings with your XFT leader or with BD
With your XFT perform an assessment of the selected client / potential client based on the available financial information. Share it with BD to obtain an external review and refine the analysis
Research current developments in demography and public policy in various countries and determine how these are impacting Swiss Re’s opportunities in those countries