The commitment usually lasts until the manager's next crisis, which usually appears within the hour. Avoid any real confrontation or sensitive discussions around professional growth needs during the performance review period. Panic about four to eight weeks before the annual performance review meeting because the staff person hasn't been involved in any professional development activities all year. In today's economy, especially in the New Economy, they simply have trouble finding the time to take their eye off of direct revenue-generating activities to handle internal management issues. Nearly two dozen companies, including Unisys, IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Kodak, have turned to the organization for assistance in this critical management activity.
Individuals join the program for one full year.
At the end of the year, assuming they meet the program's requirements, we certify them. Each participant is required to attend one of two services marketing three-day courses that are offered. The one they elect to attend depends upon their personal experience and skill level. These seminars are highly interactive, and often require preparation on the part of the participants prior to the seminar. Participants gain full access to the Research Library, which contain a wide range of annual studies that the organization conducts on IT services marketing.