Cross-functional leaders face unique challenges. General managers—often functional leaders who climbed the ranks—can find themselves managing a diverse cross-functional team, which requires developing new leadership capabilities.
The General Management Leadership Program gives new and upcoming general managers skills in the process mindset, decision making, talent development, strategy development and implementation, and finance to effectively face these challenges. The field's preeminent experts lead participants through interactive simulations, role-playing, dynamic discussions, and lectures to provide the tools needed to transform participants into superior cross-functional leaders.
- Overview
- Audience
- Benefits
- Faculty
- Curriculum
- Special Features
Overview
General managers face broad responsibilities that challenge even the most talented and effective executives.
The General Management Leadership Program shortens the learning curve by developing the skills needed to achieve excellence as a cross-functional executive.
During the program, you discuss the role of the General Manager with peers from across the world in various industries such as finance, manufacturing, and information technology. You learn how to maximize people and resources, develop a broader understanding of integration across functions, and make accurate projections to enhance your organization's effectiveness and profitability.
Most importantly, you actively practice the skills essential to effective leadership such as questioning, listening, integrating, and communicating, and receive feedback on how to make improvements. You have the opportunity to experiment with new approaches during interactive sessions and to discuss your own professional challenges with the class and faculty. You explore how GMs utilize their emotions in business decisions, manage communications, and shift their view of the organization from working in the trenches to an overall perspective.
For an inside look at The General Management Leadership Program, download the program brochure and agenda.
Please Contact Us
Please contact our Learning Solutions Specialists at 212-854-3395 for a personal conversation to learn more.
Audience
The General Management Leadership Program is designed for upper-level to senior-level executives with 10-15 years of experience who seek to advance their ability to lead across functions. This program caters to executives preparing for the role of general manager, those in the process of transitioning to this role, and general managers already serving in this function who seek to expand their skills. Participants come from all continents and represent industries including automotive, healthcare, media, and manufacturing. Their titles range from executive director to senior vice president of operations to deputy governor.
Typical Participant Mix
Industry
Manufacturing: 24% | Healthcare: 9% |
Geographic Location
North America: 34% | South America: 13% |
Age
50 or older: 11% | 35-39: 27% |
Benefits
The program will teach you to build cooperation among departments and provide the leadership, strategy, and decision-making skills that are essential to your success as a manager. Small-group work allows you to analyze your business challenges and benefit from the insight of professional coaches and peers from around the world.
- Gain skills needed to lead effectively across functions.
- Increase understanding of critical functional areas.
- Develop a customized action plan to integrate learning into practice.
- Learn from a specialized team of faculty members, practitioners, and coaches.
- Collaborate with a group of diverse and experienced peers.
Upon completion of this program, you will earn 13 days towards a Certificate in Business Excellence. Learn more.
Faculty
 | William Klepper |
 | Todd Jick |
 | Joann Baney |
Curriculum
Week 1: Cross-Functional Leadership
- The challenge of leading organizations
- Understand the dynamics of an organization
- Learn how general managers can gain perspective on their organizations
- Consensus and conflict-based approaches in decision making
- Explore how conflict can impact the quality of decisions and their implementation
- Experiencing groups and thinking systemically
- Develop a deeper understanding of high-performance leaders
- Discover how to lead people to excel
Week 2: Maximizing Performance of Individuals and Departments
- Personal case situations and practicum in group leadership
- Gain insight into behavior patterns that limit personal effectiveness
- Practice putting ideas into action
- See how accounting ratios provide valuable clues to business performance
- Projections and cash management
- Recognize the contrast between equity financing and debt financing
- Gain insight into actualizing global strategy and organization development
Program Focus
Cross-Functional Leadership: 50%
Strategy: 30%
Personal and Professional Development: 20%
For an inside look at The General Management Leadership Program, download the program brochure and agenda.
Special Features
A select group of Columbia Business School’s Executives in Residence will discuss with participants how to successfully transition to general management. This open dialog covers both the professional and personal challenges of managing cross-functional teams. The discussion takes place over dinner, is facilitated by the faculty director, and includes an extensive question and answer session.
Jesse Greene Ehud Houminer and Jack Mitchell have spoken in the past. To see a list of possible participants, learn more.
Proficiency in English is essential. View the language requirements
Apply Now
Upcoming Sessions:
- June 2-14, 2013
- October 13-25, 2013
- October 19-31, 2014
Location:
Dolce Norwalk, One hour north of New York City
Tuition:
$26,250
Includes all meals, materials, and accommodations.
Participate
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