The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan successfully organized a three-day Management and Mid-Career Development Program (MMDP) focused on Team Building with Outbound Activity. The program, conducted from 18 to 20 September 2025, brought together officers from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and SBP Banking Services Corporation (SBPBSC). Sessions were held at NIBAF Pakistan’s Islamabad Campus and in Nathia Gali, combining classroom instruction with outdoor experiential activities for a well-rounded learning experience.
Led by trainer Mr. Haris Mahmood, the program emphasized the development of essential soft skills that complement technical expertise in the financial sector. Participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to build teamwork, leadership agility, resilience, and trust. By incorporating both indoor discussions and outdoor exercises, the program created an immersive environment where participants could apply lessons in real-time and reflect on their leadership styles.
The core objective of the MMDP was to strengthen teamwork and collaboration among officers who play key roles in the country’s financial institutions. Through carefully designed group tasks and challenges, participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, work closely with colleagues, and recognize the value of collective problem-solving. This approach reinforced the importance of collaboration in environments where organizational success depends on coordinated effort.
Leadership agility was another central theme of the program. With the banking and financial sector experiencing rapid shifts due to technology, regulatory changes, and global economic pressures, the ability to adapt and make informed decisions under uncertainty has become indispensable. The outbound activities in Nathia Gali created situations where participants had to demonstrate quick thinking, flexibility, and confidence, qualities directly transferable to their professional responsibilities.
Resilience and trust were also highlighted as critical components of effective team dynamics. Outdoor exercises tested participants’ ability to navigate challenges while relying on team members for support. These activities underscored how mutual trust and confidence can enhance performance in both workplace settings and broader organizational contexts. By blending experiential learning with reflective sessions, the program allowed officers to internalize these lessons more deeply than traditional classroom settings often permit.
NIBAF Pakistan has established itself as a leader in professional development for the financial sector, and the MMDP series is one of its flagship initiatives aimed at preparing mid-career professionals for greater responsibilities. By addressing not just technical knowledge but also interpersonal and leadership competencies, the institute ensures that financial institutions are equipped with well-rounded professionals capable of driving sustainable growth.
Participants praised the program for its innovative design and practical relevance. Many noted that the combination of classroom learning in Islamabad and outdoor challenges in Nathia Gali created a powerful balance between theoretical understanding and practical application. The experience was widely recognized as both professionally enriching and personally rewarding.
Through initiatives like the MMDP, NIBAF continues to set benchmarks in training and development by blending professional learning with personal growth. These programs reflect the institute’s broader mission to prepare Pakistan’s financial sector for evolving challenges while fostering leadership, collaboration, and resilience among its workforce.
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