For all of the technical advances of the past two thousand years, despite some valiant attempts, no one has yet found a sufficient technological replacement for people. While its tempting to think of companies and organizations as another type of individual (and attribute them with human qualities), the truth is that they are only entities in a legal sense of the word. In the workplace, everything comes down to people. Many companies espouse the value of their personnel and the difference that they make to their business and customers. In spite of this, when tough economic times hit, training is one of the first areas to feel the effects of reductions.

It isn't that the companies are "bad", don't want to or don't have the money to invest in their personnel. If it's not becuase of that, why does it happen? Because most traditional training programs do not effectively establish the linkages between the:

• Training program and what it costs (time, money, opportunity lost, etc.);
• The knowledge, skills and abilities the employee gains from participating;
• and the tangible value they create for the organization upon their return.

Most training programs have some degree of content-centric focus where retaining facts and information, learning or modifying behaviors and/or acquiring new skills are core objectives. How these elements translate into tangible value for the organization is rarely, if ever, considered. Given the environments we work in and the challenges we face, companies are increasingly aware that they need to:

• Enhance their employees ability to lead;
• Directly address issues related to cultural change;
• Improve communication and eliminate misunderstandings;
• Have poeple focus on producing the right resuts, not just working hards;
• and create work envionrments that call for crerativity and collaboration.

The Development Programs offered by Engaged Consulting, Inc. (ECI) are designed to do just that. These programs are developmental in nature, which means that they:

• Help establish a foundation of communication and accomplishment in your organization;
• Call up collaboration and leadership in people;
• Integrate with how people work;
• Consider how organizations are structured and operated;
• Foster continuous growth and development.

Contact ECI today for more information on how our development program offerings can help you and your personnel become more effective and accomplished.