BMW India – Onboarding
Description
BMW was setting up a manufacturing plant in India with a mandate to “hire local but deliver global.” Five directors from BMW’s German HQ were tasked with training a team of newly hired Indian automotive engineers. AMAAN was brought in to design a high-impact onboarding program that would align the cultural values of BMW with the local team.
Approach
AMAAN organized a Kabaddi tournament that pitted the experienced German executives against the younger Indian engineers, encouraging the teams to collaborate and compete. The German team, after losing the initial matches, strategized and eventually won the tournament. This exercise illustrated BMW’s rigorous approach to preparation and teamwork in a relatable, hands-on way.
Results
The onboarding program was highly effective, ingraining BMW’s culture of diligence and strategic thinking among the new hires. This exercise set a powerful example, establishing a standard for operational excellence from day one.
Key Takeaways
Localized Strategy
Leveraging a popular local sport to bridge cultural gaps.
Leadership in Action
The directors exemplified BMW’s commitment to excellence.
Long-term Impact
The Kabaddi story is now part of BMW’s culture playbook globally.