UPDATE: ANZ’s newly appointed CEO, Nuno Matos, has just announced a groundbreaking directive aimed at transforming the bank’s culture. Effective immediately, all staff presentations must be limited to five pages, reinforcing Matos’ commitment to operational efficiency and respect for employees’ time.
This major shift comes as Matos, who took over from Shayne Elliott in May, continues his ambitious plan to reshape the major lender’s internal culture. In a company-wide email sent on July 15, 2023, he outlined two critical changes to improve clarity and focus in communications.
Matos emphasized that limiting presentations to just five pages not only streamlines communication but also ensures that messages remain focused. He stated, “Limiting the number of pages helps ensure messages are focused… plus it shows respect for everyone’s time.” Presentations must include essential elements such as an introduction, the problem or opportunity, proposed solutions, supporting evidence, and next steps. He encouraged employees to aim for even shorter presentations if possible.
Additionally, Matos mandated that every meeting, committee, or forum must have a clear purpose and agenda shared in advance. This includes stating desired outcomes at the start and establishing action items with deadlines at the conclusion.
In his email, Matos reflected on the bank’s previous culture, which he described as laden with long presentations and inefficient meetings. He acknowledged that these changes might seem trivial to some employees but insisted they are crucial for improving workflow. “I’m sure many of you agree we have significant opportunities to win but also smaller opportunities to improve the way we work,” he wrote.
The response among ANZ employees has been mixed. Some staff members have welcomed the new guidelines, citing the company’s reputation for excessively lengthy presentations, while others have expressed concern over the new restrictions. Employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity noted that they are eager for a more efficient communication style but worry about the pressure to condense important information into a limited format.
A spokesperson for ANZ confirmed that the bank is focusing on operational efficiency and streamlining communications. “We are starting with clearer, more concise communications and meetings that respect time and drive better decisions,” the spokesperson stated.
As these changes roll out, Matos is actively seeking feedback from employees through the bank’s internal platform, Viva Engage, indicating his commitment to an inclusive reform process.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as ANZ embarks on this significant cultural transformation under Nuno Matos’ leadership.
