| 1. Identify the development needs. Boil it down to | | | | of business are all excellent European choices. I've not |
| the top three development needs, or in other words, | | | | found much in South America or Asia, but many of |
| "what are you trying to get from a program?" | | | | the top US programs now take place in Asia. If you |
| Typical answers are "learn how to be more | | | | want to network for some high tech leaders, then |
| strategic", "leading change", or some combination of | | | | go to Silicon Valley (Berkeley, Stanford). |
| functional knowledge (finance, sales, and marketing). | | | | 7. Length of program: Programs range anywhere |
| There may be is a timeframe that's better or worse | | | | from 2-3 days to 6 weeks. I honestly don't know |
| than others (i.e., next 6 months, avoid the summer, | | | | how someone could afford to go to a 6 week |
| etc...) | | | | program these days, unless they are on a sabbatical |
| 2. Search your favorite executive education | | | | or their company is just trying to get rid of them for |
| providers. Mine are listed on the left on my blog. | | | | a while. I've found you need at least a week to have |
| These are programs I've used and have gotten | | | | a true immersion experience. Some of those deep |
| positive feedback; they are also rated favorably by | | | | "ahas" don't happen until the 4th or 5th day. Two |
| Business Week and the Financial Times. I start with | | | | weeks seems to be perfect, with an opportunity to |
| The Center for Creative Leadership and Darden for | | | | explore and recharge on weekends. |
| leadership, Chicago's GSB for sales and marketing, | | | | 8. Check out the amenities'. All right, I know, this is a |
| Wharton and Chicago for finance, Harvard and | | | | learning experience and not a vacation, but top notch |
| Stanford for strategy, UCLA and CCL for | | | | food, accommodations, and surroundings all are part |
| non-majority programs, etc.... | | | | of the total experience. All of the schools on my list |
| 3. Once you find a couple potential programs, look for | | | | cater to executives - this actually ends up being a |
| a good fit. Look at the recommended participant | | | | driver of participant satisfaction and the school's |
| level, participant mix, industry mix, and company | | | | program rankings. Also see if the room and meals are |
| participation. | | | | included in the program. 9. Factors that should not be |
| 4. Check out the instructors, read the bios. Review | | | | a part of a decision: alumni relationships, timing |
| the day by day agenda, topics, and activities. Again, | | | | coinciding with the NCAA playoffs, and catchy |
| you're looking for a good fit for the participant and | | | | program titles. |
| his/her development needs. Talk to the provider's | | | | 10. After all of this, narrow it down to 2-3 program, |
| Exec Ed Director, or someone who can help you | | | | and then select based on best fit, timing, and costs. |
| learn more about the programs. Ask other's if they | | | | These are often once in a life time experiences for |
| have experience with the program. | | | | most leaders. University executive education |
| 5. Talk to past participants if possible, or someone in | | | | programs are a big investment, usually in the $7,000 - |
| charge of leadership/executive development | | | | $40,000 price range. Clear your work and personal |
| development. | | | | calendars, and immerse yourself in the week. This is |
| 6. Geography can sometimes be a factor. Looking for | | | | a time to be 100% selfish, and focus on nothing but |
| a global experience? Than look for a good mix of | | | | your own development as a leader. Your company, |
| global participants, or better yet, attend a program | | | | employees, co-workers, boss, and family will all |
| outside the U.S. Insead, IMD, and the London School | | | | benefit from the new and improved you! |