Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Leadership Development Programs and Recommendations
To meet future and current leadership needs, programs that develop leaders are critical...we have watched programs evolve, designs become more complex and the metrics more clearly articulated not only at the individual level but to the organizational and results level- we see more mix of action/practical based learning, creative learning...reviewing the quote below- what are your thoughts on the eefectiveness of using the "apprentice" model in your organizations? What benefits does it provide? What challenges? "Use the apprenticeship model including the following components: education, applications through experience, opportunities for self discovery, support mechanisms and access to a community of practice. Integrating these five components into a tightly knit, seamless infrastucture requires extensive monitoring and coordination." (Henien, Morissette, 2007)
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4 comments:
Reposted with Permission
Owner, R. W. Miller Jr. & Associates, Human Resource Consulting
I believe one of the best opportunities to improve a leadership development program is to couple it with a followership development program (although it might not be prudent to call it that). Otherwise it is like trying to do marraige counseling with just the husband or the wife. It takes both sides of the equation to have a successful relationship. However, most organizations only focus on half of this, and assume the other half will just meekly follow like lambs. I could go on and on about how this would improve workplace relationships, help reduce turnover, create a breeding ground for future leaders, and result in more engaged employees.
I have intentionally avoided using the term manager, because I believe in general leaders and managers should be one and the same. But that is a topic for another time.
Bob,
Thank you som much for your response...I really love your idea of the "followership" program...it is very often the case that the organization "identifies" the high potentials and plops them in a program...I appreciate that experience does help in recognizing leadership "desire" and helping others see it in themselves is a vital part of leadership development- I wonder too if we are so focused on talent and succession planning/ supporting/ growing- that we forget to ask - Are you interested??? and spend the time in that committed relationship...thanks for the thoughts....
reposted with Permission
Robert Jaques
President at Chinook Consulting LLC
Orange County, California Area
Management Consulting
Shelagh,
The "apprentice" model is obviously the foundation of consulting firms - Jr employees are brought in and developed (up or out) to eventually become partners. The danger is that it becomes abusive - much like apprenticeships in the trades, the apprentice is given the dirtiest jobs not because they will learn something but because the others don't want to do them. A great example from current media is the character of "probie" on the TV show NCIS - he is always given the worst job simply because his boss was given those jobs when he was a "probie".
A development program can avoid these pitfalls, but it takes thoughtful planning - senior leaders have to evaluate the TRUE value of the tasks that people are given - not the "tradition" of giving them grunt work because "we all had to do it". So, the five components in your quote are all important, but what's more important is accountability and responsibility at the top for the overall program - i.e. they have to review the details of the program with a critical eye - is this REALLY developmental? Will it REALLY give the person an experience of value?
Just my thoughts
Rob
Robert,
Thank you for the input - I agree- the "type" of work assigned in the "apprenticieships" has to be meaningful and not just the work no one wants to do...and I would say that some- definately not all- of those "we all had to do it " type tasks are a learning experience too...and can give a new perspective- however- I agree that for the most part- I think of the art apprentice who learns his craft from the master...and creates beautiful things from a piece of wood, marble, etc..learning the precision allows the creativity to flow and a true "teacher' encourages both...Thanks again for sharing!!!!!
Shelagh
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