           |
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT This is our flagship program. The Leadership Development Program is an abbreviated MBA experience for future and present leadership who missed the opportunity for a formal education in the skills and knowledge of modern business theories and practices. The program was Beta tested in 2000-2001 with four representative A/E firms. The following describes the essential elements of the program: The Martin-Simonds Associates Leadership Development Program is a systematic, organized approach to developing the attitudes, knowledge and skills essential for leadership in an A/E environment. The program is designed to fill the educational gap most architects, engineers and planners experience when they are promoted to positions of leadership and management. Participants are involved in developing their own Individual Development Plan based on respected professional assessment tools. The suggested training curriculum is modularized for maximum flexibility and tailored to meet each individual's specific needs. The program is conducted over one and one-half day sessions each quarter for groups up to fifteen. There is a significant team-building component, as well as ambitious outside reading to expose participants to the current theory and practices of managing and leading a professional service organization.
Phase Two - Training Modules (Quarterly)
Assessment is an integral part of the Martin-Simonds Associates Leadership Development Program. Before starting, we conduct a 360-Degree Feedback Assessment of each of the Leadership Development Program Participants. The 360-Degree Survey Instrument has been tailored specifically to the A/E industry. "Day One - The Beginning" is a day-long group session. Each participant receives a 360-Degree Feedback Report and information on how to interpret the findings of the report. This is the first step toward participants achieving ownership of the training experience. Participants also begin work on an Individual Development Plan which reflects the validated strengths and developmental needs uncovered in the 360-Degree Feedback process. Individual Development Plans assist participants in individual career development, as well as in the enhanced contribution to the organization. After completion of the "Day One" session, Martin-Simonds Associates will work with the principals of the firm to tailor the curriculum for future modules to meet firm-specific needs and goals.
Leadership
The Leadership module introduces the Leadership Development Program by allowing participants to gain insight into the roles and attributes of successful A/E industry leaders. Participants will: Outside Reading: "What Makes a Leader?" Harvard
Business Review article Self-Assessment Instrument: Lominger Leadership Architect Competency
Cards LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MODULE II
Managing People
Learning to manage people is critical to success as a manager. This module teaches techniques for motivating and influencing others in order to get the job done successfully. Participants will: - Understand what motivates technical professionals Outside Reading: "First, Break All the Rules: What the
World's Greatest Managers Do Differently" "The Essential Manager's Manual" by Robert Heller and Tim Hindle Self-Assessment Instruments: DiSC Personal Profile System
Interpersonal Skills for Managing Projects and People
Success as a manager depends upon improving working relationships. The "soft skills" of interpersonal communications are even more critical in today's diverse and rapidly changing work environment. Participants will: - Learn the secrets of making the right first
impression Outside Reading: "Listening: The Forgotten Skill" by Madelyn Burley-Allen "The Discipline of Teams" Harvard
Business Review article Self-Assessment Instrument: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Dealing With Difficult People and Situations
Whether it is negotiating a win-win solution or managing negativity in the workplace, the successful A/E leader must be grounded in the skill of dealing with difficult people and situations. Participants will: - Learn the art of win-win negotiation Outside Reading: "Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement
Without Giving In" "Demand Better Results - and Get Them"
Harvard Business Review article "Emotional Intelligence at Work" by Dr. Hendrie Weisinger
Managing for Profitability
Having the best skills in the world when it comes to managing people is not enough. A leader in the A/E industry must be able to manage people and projects with the goal of maximizing profitability. Participants will: - Understand the basics of the balance sheet
and income statement Outside Reading: "Managing the Professional Service Firm"
by David Maister
Strategic Thinking
Becoming a leader in the A/E industry means mastering the art of Strategic Thinking - the skill imperative for strategic management of a firm. Participants will: - Learn the differences between strategic
and operational thinking Outside Reading: "Creating Wealth: Principles and Practices
for Design Firms" "Kotler on Marketing: How to Create,
Win and Dominate Markets" "Wide Angle Vision" by Soundview
Executive Book Summaries
Decision-Making
The inability to make a decision can render A/E leaders ineffective. The benefits of learning to make decisions - the right ones - can revitalize a firm. Participants will: - Prioritize objectives to ensure the right
decision is made Outside Reading: "Heads You Win: How the Best Companies
Think" "Smart Choices: A Practical Guide to
Making Better Decisions" |
|
|
= Reading and Exercises
