Trends in Leadership Learning and Development 2016

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1 Haskayne Executive Education: HASKAYNE Executive EDUCATION Trends in Leadership Learning and Development 2016 Haskayne Executive Education Avenue SW Calgary AB haskayne.ucalgary.ca/executive

2 Trends in Leadership Learning and Development: Summary In order to provide executive level programs that create value for business leaders and their organizations, we recently conducted a study to understand how leadership development needs are changing in Alberta. Our research was conducted in two parts: An online survey that was conducted over a three month period ending in December 2015 and received 287 responses A focus group comprised of senior learning & development (L&D) professionals, tasked with identifying key L&D needs for organizations in the local market over the next three years Not surprisingly, the demand for leadership development is constantly evolving and changing in a number of ways. In a survey conducted in 2013 by Haskayne Executive Education, respondents were asked to rank development challenges within their organization. Respondents rated talent acquisition and retaining employees as equal in importance to innovation, increased cost efficiency and international growth. However, in the most recent 2015 survey, respondents indicated that talent development, innovation, operational excellence and sustainability were the top challenges within their organizations. It is apparent that leaders are looking for new opportunities that will allow them to thrive in a depressed oil driven economy that continues to face losses. Hot topics such as change leadership, innovation, strategy and finance are becoming top of mind for today s businesses. Because of this, relevant programs that can align with current budget and time constraints are of the utmost importance. Although program content relevant to my job ranked as the most important factor when choosing professional development programs, cost and schedule followed close behind. Our research has indicated that L&D budgets still exist within organizations; 83% of survey respondents indicated that they expect some available budget for learning and development in 2016 (whether it decreases, stays the same or increases). Meanwhile, 100% of focus group participants indicated that their organization is still investing in L&D, although budgets are becoming more constrained. As layoffs within organizations continue, a stigma has been placed on remaining employees who decide to focus on leadership development. The reality is that organizations still see a great need for training, perhaps more than ever. Employees are now expected to be cross functional professionals, taking on new areas of responsibility and helping drive the sustainability of the company. Therefore, professionals are looking for learning opportunities that can get their skills up to speed quickly and efficiently. Programs that are two day, in-class formats are still popular; however, blended learning programs, programs which are partially online and in class, are also very appealing to professionals. The option of self-study has proven to be the least popular format for individuals, but one of the most preferred formats for organizations who need their people in the office to manage constrained operations. The core disciplines that have been identified as important for professional development in the next three years slightly varied between our research methods. The top five results, in order from highest to lowest, are as follows: Focus Group: Finance Innovation Change Leadership Risk Emotional Intelligence Learning Trends Survey: Strategic Decision Making Strategy Implementation Change Leadership Emotional Intelligence Business Essentials The following report outlines the results from the research.

3 Learning and Development Focus Group Results: What are the significant challenges facing leaders in your organization today and over the next 3 years? 9% Change Coaching Creating Value Decision Making Strategy 17% Succession Planning 34% Talent Management Technology What are the most important leadership capabilities that need to be developed / improved in your organization over the next 3 years? 13% 13% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 19% 12% 13% Coaching Communication Transparently Engagement Communication Leadership Project Management Performance Strategy Succession Planning Technology

4 Which specific leadership areas would your executives be willing to invest in right now? 5% Acquisition 10% 5% 9% Change Leadership Communication/Engagement 9% 19% 5% Disruptive Leadership Leading by Doing Finance Emerging Leaders/ Leaders for tomorrow 24% 5% 9% Project Management Operational Effectiveness Strategy Execution Which of these programs do you see as relevant for the development of your leaders in the next 3 years? 4% 4% 11% 4% 11% 11% 15% Change Leadership Emotional Intelligence Entrepreneurship Finance High Performance Coaching Innovation LEAN Mergers Risk Risk Management Strategy 21st Century Team Leadership

5 As L&D/HR professionals, what do you find most challenging when it comes to L&D in your organization? 21% 14% 22% 7% 36% Lack of Subject Matter Experts Non-traditional L&D Solutions Perception of L&D Resources Time Commitment Question 11: When planning and executing leadership development, what would make your job easier or more convenient? 20% 20% 10% 10% 40% L&D Product Customization Execution Assistance Innovative L&D Solutions Online Learning Program Development Assistance

6 Learning Trends Survey Results Question 1: What is your current role? 6% 6% 26% An Individual/technical specialist with no direct reports A Supervisor A Manager 26% 5% A Senior Manager 10% 21% A Director/Executive A Consultant Other In the up-coming year, do you expect the budget available for professional development to 11% 10% 7% Increase Stay the same 31% 41% Decrease My company does not pay for professional development Don't know

7 Importance of factors which influence a person's decision to take a program with a business school. Time & dates programs are offered Testimonials from previous participants School's reputation On-line learning is part of the program International experience and industry expertise of faculty Faculty reputation - books, research publications, media profile Program content relevant to your job Cost Not at all Important Neither Important nor Unimportant Very Important Somewhat Unimportant Somewhat Important

8 Please rate the following development challenges as you feel they apply to your organization in its current state Not at all Important Neither Important nor Unimportant Very Important Somewhat Unimportant Somewhat Important

9 Please rate the degree to which the following program structures appeal to your needs as a learner and a professional. In-class, 4 half days total, over a 4 week time period In-class, 2 days total, over a 2 week period In-class, back-to-back, 2 days total Online - online webinar sessions (no in-class learning) Blended - online and self-paced modules blended with 1 in- class learning session Very Appealing Somewhat Appealing Neither Appealing nor Unappealing Somewhat Unappealing Not at all Appealing

10 Based on your experience, what day / time is the most preferable for Executive Education programs and events Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Morning Afternoon Evening Would Not Attend on this Day Please indicate which resources you find useful when deciding on a program's suitability A PDF version of the program outline A printed version of the program guide Choice of program dates More detail in the program descriptions Conversation with the faculty lead Video footage of the classroom experience Very Useless Somewhat Useless Neutral Somewhat Useful Very Useful What/whom influences your decision to book an executive education program?

11 14% 2% 5% 14% 11% 14% 5% 35% My immediate manager or HR manager for my development Following my performance review I am always looking to develop my leadership skills Prompted when I receive the program guide or marketing materials in the mail Prompted by an notification or online/social media advertising Search engine results Referral from your network Other