SUNNYVALE, Calif. – For three years running, more than 1,550 training executives have ranked leadership development as one of their top three priorities, according to the annual “Top Training Priorities” survey conducted by Training magazine and Brandon Hall Research. Now, a new study by Brandon Hall Research examines how organizations that lead the pack in executive development are grooming their top employees for success in administrative positions.

“Leadership Development: A Brandon Hall Research Study of How Ten Leading Organizations Train Managers and Executives” kicks off a series of best practice studies by this leading analyst group that are specifically geared toward meeting the needs of top-level training executives.

How are companies like Aetna, American Express, Boeing, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and Kodak preparing their top employees for leadership? The in-depth study of ten companies uncovered a few guiding principles to begin with:

• Blended learning is key. Most of these companies used a wide variety of learning methods – online courses, mentorship programs, 360-degree feedback, and simulated work environments.
• Selection of program participants typically comes from the top. Often, managerial hopefuls are hand selected by division leaders and corporate chairpersons.
• Preparing for leadership is time consuming.

“Leadership development is definitely not the same from organization to organization,” says Tom Werner, co-author and lead researcher for the report. “Different companies approach it differently. So it's important for learning professionals to get a sense of what's being done out there as they plan their own executive development programs. We think that this study provides direction toward that aim.”

The independent analyst firm Brandon Hall Research provides insight and advice through their publications and consulting on best practices and learning technologies for companies both large and small. The company also sponsors the Excellence in Learning Awards, the first recognition program dedicated entirely to the learning industry. For information, please use our contact form. For more information about “Leadership Development: A Brandon Hall Research Study of How Ten Leading Organizations Train Managers and Executives” visit their Web site at www.brandon-hall.com.