Many people assume that if someone excels in a particular field,
such as networking or programming, then that person will automatically
be a good manager or director. This assumption is simply not the case.

-- Chuck Rohm, CSO (former) Performance Food Group

As an employee, performance is based on what you do. A manager's performance, however, is judged by his/her ability to achieve results through others. Too often, great employees are promoted without any idea of the new skills required to succeed -- or what resources are available to help them develop these skills.

Through personal and peer assessment, individual and group coaching, and specific leadership development topics, the FTEMS program guides students through various levels of management. From entry level management positions, which may include individuals who are immersed in IT functions but have little experience in leading others through the uncertainty we face today, to middle and senior management roles that require the ability to manage other managers and take on executive responsibilities, this program can assist IT professionals at all levels become true leaders within their organizations.

To reach their leadership goals, students begin the FTEMS program with a 360° leadership assessment from The Leadership Circle™. This assessment tool solicits input from the student, the student's peers, immediate supervisor, and direct reports, if applicable, and provides structured, empirically based feedback on key variables required for executive success. This feedback is used to help students develop a profile of their personal leadership style, and come to a better understanding of themselves and appreciate how others view them.

The student's leadership profile is shared with certified coaches, who work with students individually to identify opportunities for growth, and help them formulate specific objectives and create strategies to reach them. Monthly group coaching sessions feature in-depth discussions on specific leadership topics.

Coaching works best when you know what you want to get done.

-- Dr. James Hunt, associate professor of management at Babson College

Coaching is becoming a widely used tool by many organizations to support individuals who have been identified as potential leaders. Research shows that in-depth development feedback becomes "increasingly important, more infrequent, and more unreliable" as you advance to the executive level. Coaching is especially valuable in times of change - including promotions and other new challenges -- for new and rising executives.