Information Center

Management
Development
Approaches

For more Information in this area, click on the links below to go to each section:

1. Training Programs

2. Performance Appraisals

3. Organizational Surveys

4. The MFS Approach

Training Programs

They Learn How,
but do they know When?

Vast numbers of training programs address the broad issues of management performance and development. Companies of all sizes pour billions of dollars into these programs. These programs are most effective when they are tied to specific performance requirements and include application plans to meet those requirements and the current needs of the people directly managed.

Many programs, while strong in content and well delivered, focus on how to achieve what a boss requires. Effective approaches focus on the needs of the immediate work group influenced by the manager, and how that manager enables the group to perform. Some typical outcomes of traditional training efforts are:

warm feelings for other participants;
possible ideas that work in theory and need a "reality check";
a rest period from the job and a large expense for the organization.

The missing ingredient from these experiences is clear, current information from the work group about
what support they need from the manager, and how they want that support demonstrated.