I'd add a trend towards "focus on performance": being sure that management
development methods actually contribute to "the bottom line".
I sense a strong skepticism around highly humanistic development methods
(and, after all, all development methods are ultimately humanistic?) that
focus on concepts, e.g., "New Millennium", "New Paradigm",
princple-centered, value-centered, etc.
For good reason, there's been an explosion of research and programs around
leadership. Amongst the skills needed in management (planning ,organizing,
leading, coordinating, etc.), leading is the most human,
and all of us are human, so everyone seems to have strong feelings about
what is needed to be a good leader.
However, the nature of too many of these leadership programs seems to
approach religion rather than reaching strategic business goals. They seem
to focus mostly -- if not only -- on personal development, rather
than professional development. (I'm NOT saying that personal development
isn't the place to start in professional development.)
Consequently, I hope there is not a strong backlash against the leadership
programs -- and I hope the programs include more focus on aligning with the
strategic goals of the business.
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- Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Minneapolis, MN; email:
mcnam007@tc.umn.edu
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