Technology Executives Focus on People Skills
At its Leadership Development Center in Crotonville, NY, General Electric runs a number of programs aimed at emerging or recently promoted information technology executives. These individuals have excelled and been promoted largely on their technical expertise and are now being groomed for Chief Information Officers at a division of GE.
While technical skills got them to this point in their career, a broader range of interpersonal, communication and leadership skills are vital to their success in their new roles. Inspired by the legacy of former CEO Jack Welch, who insisted that the “human element was critical to the business equation”, GE wanted their aspiring leaders to learn the skills that would help them accelerate the transfer of knowledge, drive change, forge productive relationships, create loyalty and engagement, and boost business results.
The Ariel Group Solution
The Ariel Group customized designed an interactive, skill-building program as part of a required, 2-week information technology leadership initiative. Using their proprietary experiential learning approach, based in the performing arts, Ariel facilitators coached leaders in small group settings on a range of interpersonal communication skills.
The focus of the program was how to bring personal authenticity to leadership such teams and individuals are recognized, motivated and inspired by their bosses. Building on a foundation of self-awareness, the managers learned how to empathize, relate to and forge stronger collaborative relationships with their teams. Additionally they learned how to have poise and be adaptable under stressful conditions either internally or when dealing with clients.
Results
For over a decade, hundreds of executives have participated in this learning experience. It is constantly rated as one of the highlights of the leadership initiative and the skills are being applied effectively throughout the technology groups. As some of the participants put it, “The course allowed me to work on my challenges and areas of improvement that are affecting my value as a leader.” ” The learnings from The Ariel Group will resonate with me for the rest of my professional career.”
