ONGC scheme to find 120 of its best managers
ONGC has revived its leadership training programme to send a select few to top foreign business schools.
However, poor communication has left many at ONGC asking who the programme is targeting and worrying they might miss out. On December 14 (2024), HR director Manish Patil launched Unnati Shikhar, the Accelerated Leadership Development Programme for GMs and CGMs (E6 and E7 levels).
Patil's notice says Unnati Shikhar represents a revival of ONGC's leadership development efforts designed to address evolving energy sector challenges by equipping future leaders with advanced strategic thinking, effective communication, team building, and problem-solving skills. Translated from Hindi as 'Peak Progress', Unnati Shikhar is facing questions from the outset.
"Stay tuned for updates and key announcements," says Patil in a letter to staff. That said, ONGC has already scheduled a selection test on December 20 (2024) in Delhi and December 21 (2024) in Mumbai "to evaluate analytical, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills."
An information slide states that E6 and E7 executives as of January 1 (2024) with sufficient tenure and "appropriate and adequate rotations along with operational experience" are eligible. Next, it promises a final shortlist of the top 120 participants.
"None of us GMs know about the scheme or how and when the tests in Mumbai and Delhi were scheduled," an ONGC general manager in the field tells us. "One list of officers (chosen) for some training programme is doing the rounds."
As of October 31 (2024), ONGC employed 1561 general managers and 560 chief general managers. "All eligible executives are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity to elevate their leadership potential and play a pivotal role in shaping ONGC's future," writes Patil.
He adds participants will be exposed to cutting-edge strategies, advanced frameworks, and best practices shared by renowned facilitators and industry leaders. Patil also confirms the programme offers a unique opportunity for top-performing executives to attend coveted executive training courses at prestigious institutions, further enhancing their leadership journey.
The top 50% of executives will be sent for a two-week training course at leading international institutes and the rest at leading Indian institutes.