Some managers and executives work for companies that give them the resources to develop professionally over the course of their careers. Unfortunately, many companies do not.

Executive development is a process of analysis of existing strengths and weaknesses and then designing a program to either develop or strengthen areas that may be lacking. The process involves research based objective instruments and systems as well as the personal attention of a highly trained professional.

Executive development is an important piece of career success. As an individual progresses in a career, the skills for success often change. Think of the difference between the success factors for a front line manager versus those required for an international product line manager.

In more detail, the Career Architect system lists 11 Basic Management level skills:

Business Acumen	Functional/Technical Skills	Informing
Listening	Managing & Measuring	Organizing
Organizational Agility	Presentation Skills	Planning
Time Management	Written Communications

Whereas it describes 12 Executive level skills:

Dealing with Ambiguity	Command Skills	Decision Quality
Innovation Management	Managerial Courage	Dealing with Paradox
Sizing Up people	Strategic Agility	Political Savvy
Managing Through Systems	Managing Vision & Purpose	Perspective/Range of Interests

Work experience and education are the prime factors in skill acquisition and development. The Career Architect system allows for a systematic assessment of skills and suggests specific developmental activities.

Development does not necessarily depend on the Career Architect system. Often a detailed analysis of personality style can deliver powerful insights into factors that may be stalling career growth or point up poor personality – position “good of fit.”

Using a credentialed professional development consultant gives you the benefit of sophisticated analytical tools and an objective advocate for your personal success.