We are increasingly questioning the environments in which we work, regardless of the position we hold. At Absa Bank Moçambique, creating an atmosphere that serves the work purpose of all employees is fundamental to the company's growth and career progression.

In this sense, and in order to maintain a healthy organizational culture, we emphasize our values and make them clear, with inclusive work, opportunities, feedback and recognition, and a work-life balance policy. Why is that? Because we believe that, increasingly, leadership is an action that is not limited to the most senior positions, but that all employees, in their own way, should have leadership characteristics and can participate in activities that impact decisions within the Bank.

Although this notion of participative leadership may seem subjective, what we want is for every employee to know that they have a say in the development of our organization. Above all, that word can be implemented and make a difference to everyone's life. For many decades we lived in a work system where the hierarchy was vertical and only those at the top had decision-making power; today, this is no longer the case. More and more emphasis is being placed on a horizontal hierarchy, where everyone's participation is privileged.

And what characteristics are important when we talk about responsible leadership? Things like having initiative, passion for what you do, humility, a good understanding of the Bank's values, mission and vision, a willingness to learn and the ability to communicate are crucial when we involve every employee in our structure.

On the other hand, at Absa we try every day to provide the tools to bring out these characteristics and that is why there are areas, whose activity allows it, that favor working from home (work from home), increasing the trust that the institution has in each of its employees. We also know that, contrary to what has been the case for many years, you don't have to work harder than your body can handle to stand out in the workplace: you have to listen, trust, delegate, communicate and deliver results.

In a people-to-people bank like ours, where we deal with colleagues and clients on a daily basis, empathy, knowledge and effective communication become essential tools. However, it is even more important to have responsible, humanized leadership that is prepared to listen carefully, clearly and show empathy.

Director of People and Culture at Absa Bank Mozambique, Hanifa Hassangy