Any organization with a comprehensive training program has a leadership development curriculum. These programs include everything from conventional classroom learning with guest speakers to high-tech simulations and lavish retreats. There also may be mentorship thrown in, as well as multiple job rotations. Despite the well-rounded curricula, many…

In this article, "Training" editors recognize innovative and successful learning and development programs and practices submitted in the 2012 Training Top 125 application. Best practices: (1) Edward Jones: Practice Makes Perfect (sales training); (2) Grant Thornton LLP: Senior Manager Development Program (SMDP); (3) MetLife, Inc.: Top Advisor…

Innovation has been part of The Economical Insurance Group (TEIG) throughout its 140-year history--its first insurance policy was written on a barn in Berlin, Ontario. Today, the company continues to pursue innovation through its leaders, utilizing a variety of programs to develop the talent needed to guide the 2,500-employee organization through…

Most companies need a steady stream of talent to enter, then move up in, the organization. But at most companies, the care and feeding of that talent stream is often a bit fragmented; recruitment is largely an HR function, while succession planning--to the extent there is any--is left in the hands of executive leadership. Development of the…

The revolving-door CEO is becoming a fixture of American companies, and is likely to remain so for some time. With executive tenure at a mere 2.5 years and a CEO turnover rate that increased 11 percent last year, newly hired executives must hit the ground running if they hope to be effective before moving on to their next jobs. Helping them adjust…

The use of assessment centers to measure management potential is reviewed. Included are standards against which to evaluate centers, problems with the system, why many training managers prefer assessment to tests and interviews, and points to consider when converting an assessment center process to a management development experience. (CT)

Discusses the unique training problems of Witan Associates Limited, a company with Japanese and American employees. Their three-part training program is described: (1) contact with the training company, (2) two-day classroom seminar for all staff, and (3) corporate and departmental meetings. Results of the program are discussed. (CT)

Describes "Looking Glass," the Financial Services Industry, and other simulations for management training seminars. The article examines how the games teach decision making and allow participants to become involved. It also discusses the future of computer-based training and the costs of such programs. (CT)