Standard Bank launched a toastmasters club in an effort to enhance staff leadership skills. The bank’s Chief Executive Officer William Le Roux said that the initiative was to inspire and motivate its members.

The in-house toastmasters club will teach the bank’s employees to deliver better sales, presentations, develop team building skills, shape management skills and listen better and offer constructive criticism. Le Roux acknowledged that any company’s success depends on how well employees communicate with each other as well as with customers. Therefore, the initiative will also focus on exposing staff to global business trends and enhancing their service delivery capacity.

“The toastmasters program focuses on developing effective communication and leadership skills and capabilities. These are considered as two most sought-after skills to drive culture shift as key driver towards universal banking which is a strategic pillar of the bank” said Le Roux.