Industry Trends
Companies Investing in Leadership Development despite Economic Uncertainties
By Trish Freshwater, Senior Communications Manager
A recent poll of corporate human resource (HR) practitioners and leaders found that more than 98 percent of those surveyed anticipate either maintaining current spending or investing modest increases in their management training initiatives in 2011.
"At Sodexo, leadership development is a key component of driving strategy and performance throughout the organization. Investing in our employees to help them further their leadership skills is mutually beneficial," said Sandy Shaw, Vice President, Talent Development. "Therefore, we offer a number of leadership development opportunities through our own Sodexo University. But, even more importantly, our commitment extends to specific opportunities, such as our Emerging Leaders program, which is a dynamic and challenging nine-month course offering managers an opportunity to develop strategic leadership skills. This blended approach to learning drives development through virtual teaming, company projects, mentoring and peer coaching."
Not only is Sodexo focused on developing its managers, but the company is also working to advance our leaders’ commitment to the company and its future growth. Since 2009, more than 950 leaders have participated in a program called CLIMB – Change, Leadership, IMplementation, Behaviors. Through a variety of training methods, including a virtual simulation of the business environment, learners are encouraged to work through the development of market opportunities while positioning the company as a valued service provider.
As noted in the HR leadership development survey conducted by SMU Cox Executive Education, Sodexo and other corporations see leadership as an important area for training and development. The survey also showed that topics such as employee engagement for increased productivity and mastering work with tighter budgets and a leaner organization are also key focuses this year. This is important because as the economy remains uncertain for 2011, corporations are investing in their existing talent, developing leaders from within, and creating value for their employees.
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Editor: Sherie Valderrama, Senior Director
Assistant Editor: Trish Freshwater, Senior Communications Manager
