Caltech’s Advancement and Alumni Relations department recognizes the strong correlation between great managers and high performing teams. Research has shown that 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined solely by the manager; thus, highly competent managers become our competitive edge. In January of 2019, AAR launched a comprehensive training program for managers who balance the demands of work production and the development of teams. This first cohort of managers participated in eight modules over the course of eight months, with individual coaching sessions and homework throughout. This program employed a cohort environment to provide an opportunity for managers at similar levels to practice individual management concepts and share with colleagues at similar professional levels.
From the Judges
The institution created a leadership training program that is composed of eight well-developed modules for engagement over eight months. The program was based on getting input from all stakeholders to deliver timely, relevant topics for their advancement staff, including hiring without bias. It had well thought-out plans that clearly articulated multiple learning outcomes for each of the modules. The shared modules allow this program to easily serve as a replicable model for other institution. This program created a support system as it had a cohort of trainees who have reunions after the end of the program.
