In logistics, just-in-time (JIT) deliveries are scheduled to arrive at the precise moment items are needed for assembly lines or retail sales. Any break in the supply chain results in empty shelves or parts bins and a consequential loss in revenue. Leadership pipelines are similar. Gaps in the talent development system can leave organizations short of individuals who have been carefully groomed to move quickly into senior roles just as they are needed.
As economic conditions improve, organizations are realizing they face a “talent gap” that will hamper their ability to grow the business. With few exceptions, the clients I work with today are concerned about their ability to maintain an uninterrupted flow of talented individuals at the general manager level who can be “called up” to the corporate team as opportunities arise.
“The general manager position is an excellent stepping stone for advancement to the senior executive ranks. It provides a solid foundation for the next phase of intense development and experience necessary to fully prepare individuals for the C-suite,” says Denise Morrison, president and CEO of Campbell Soup Company.
During the recent downturn, however, many organizations sold off or consolidated their smaller businesses, thus eliminating opportunities for GMs to hone their skills by overseeing a business unit’s marketing and sales functions, as well as the day-to-day business operations.
The largest Fortune 500 firms like Proctor & Gamble or GE, have both well-funded programs and a wealth of GM development opportunities they can exploit as conditions warrant. Executives move in, grow and move up on a continual talent-development cycle. However, most companies don’t have that luxury. So what can the average-sized organization do to leverage its expansion scenarios?
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
