Entertainment
Leading the pack
Priti Singh, currently the Head of Deposit Management at Sanima Bank, has been involved in the banking sector for nearly two decades.Alisha Sijapati
Priti Singh, currently the Head of Deposit Management at Sanima Bank, has been involved in the banking sector for nearly two decades. Starting out at the entry-level in 1999, she has steadily climbed up the corporate ladder and has served as the Branch Manager at two locations for her organisation. In this interview with the Post’s Alisha Sijapati, Singh talks about her corporate journey, leadership at the workplace and about staying motivated. Excerpts:
Can you tell us a little bit about your journey in the corporate world?
I started my banking career in 1999 as a Junior Assistant in Nepal Industrial and Commercial Bank Ltd, the NIC ASIA now. Currently I am working with Sanima Bank Ltd as the Head Deposit Management–Retail. In my 17 years of experience, I had opportunities to work in different departments: Operations, Personnel and Admin, Deposit Management, Credit and Risk Management, Reconciliation Departments at the New Road branch, and at the Teku Branch as a Branch Manager.
In today’s fast-paced world, why is it important to have leaders in every level of a structural organisation?
All departments are equally important in order to accomplish the final aim of any structural organisation. The staff members are beads of a string. In order to manage, motivate, reward and guide them towards the achievement of a common goal, a leader is needed to ensure all responsibilities are delivered most efficiently and effectively.
Can you tell us about the leadership challenges you have faced while serving as a Branch Manager at Sanima Bank?
As a Branch Manager, we have multiple responsibilities. Being a leader of a branch I have to focus on business growth and must ensure the bank policies and NRB norms are observed. The bonds between staff members are most important to build team spirit in a branch to accomplish the branch’s goals. Each customer is important as well and we treat them as honoured guests. To serve them and fulfil their banking needs with our best products and services within the given parameter and compliances were some of the most challenging tasks I faced. Being a customer-oriented person, I thoroughly cherished my job as a Branch Manager.
What in your opinion are the prime qualities that a leader in a workplace should have? Should all employees display these qualities?
I think taking initiatives in challenging tasks, believing in his/her subordinates, and successfully coordinating them to leverage their respective strengths are some prime qualities a leader should possess. A good leader not only performs well, but also helps his/her employees to bring out their best in them. And yes, I do believe every employee needs to have these qualities so that they can work well with their peers and complete their tasks in the most effective and efficient way.
As a leading manager, what do you feel are the keys to keeping employees in big organisations motivated?
Engaging employees directly or indirectly in important decisions made by the organisation helps build a sense of belongingness in them and that is often a great source of motivation. Nothing can beat creating a feeling of ‘belonging’ with an organisation.
What advice do you have for those just starting out their careers in the corporate world—the future leaders?
Stay confident and focussed, believe in yourself and positively cooperate with your peers and supervisors. Maintain a positive attitude and dedication.