Managers are an indispensable resource, the priceless assets of an organization.

When they succeed they are able to keep everyone in good humour including share holders, employees and the general public. They are hailed as invincible corporate heroes . To get ahead today in the race in such a complex, dynamic and ever changing world, managers need to develop their capabilities that go beyond those required by the current job.

Management Development is a planned, systematic and continuous process of learning and growth by which managers develop their conceptual and analytical abilities to manage.
Features of Management Development It is concerned with improving the performance of managers by giving them stimulating opportunities for growth and development. It is a planned effort to improve executives ability to handle a variety of assignments. It is not a one shot deal but a continuous ongoing activity. It aims at improving total personality of an executive.

It aims at meeting present as well as future needs of organization and individual.

Its a long term process as managers take time to acquire and improve their capabilities.

Steps in the Organization of Management Development Programme

1. Analysis of organizational development needs. 2. Appraisal of present management talent. 3. Inventory of management manpower. 4. Planning of individual development programmes

5. Establishment of development programmes.

6. Evaluation of results.

Methods/ Techniques of Management Development Programmes

1. a. b. c. Decision Making Skills In Basket Business Game Case study

2. Interpersonal skills a. Role Play b. Sensitivity training c. Behaviour modelling 3. Job Knowledge a. On the job experience b. Coaching c. Understudy 4. Organization knowledge a. Job rotation b. Multiple management

5. General Knowledge a. Special courses b. Special meetings c. Specific readings 6. Specific Individual needs a. Special projects b. Committee assignments
7. Off the job methods a. Conferences b. Lectures c. Group discussions d. Programmed Instructions

A Look Inside the Top 5 Management Development Methods Methods of management development vary as greatly as the individuals they are in place to teach. While there are numerous books, articles, consultants, and experts on the methods of management development, we will take a look at just the Top 5 management development methods used today. 1. Formal Methods of Management Development Some individuals prefer the most structured training and management development methods, including formal programs by colleges, universities, or accredited management development institutions. These courses are highly educational and are typically held outside the office. They can range from days to weeks or months, and cost from hundreds to several thousand dollars. Benefits: The training and management development methods are taught in a formal classroom environment with an advanced curriculum. Many offer certification or degrees.

2. Personal Management Development Methods For people or organizations seeking more personal or tailored training and management development methods, you might consider hiring a personal consultant or management development consultancy firm. Methods of management development can be taught on-site within the office if needed and programs can be customized to fit your exact needs. Benefits: This path to learn management development methods can be effective for individuals, or small to large groups. It is the most flexible of the training & management development methods, and can also be the most costly.
3. Action-based Training and Management Development Methods For people that learn best by doing, action-based methods of management development can be the most effective. In this scenario, managers focus on working through and solving live problems in their normal working environment. Feedback is received from others as the training and management development is taking place. Benefits: These methods of management development can be developed and implemented internally, or as an added element of one of the above training and management development methods. Employees learn hands-on skills and can apply them in a real-world setting.

4. Team Management Development Methods More and more companies are exploring management development methods that teach teams to cross train and support each other. In this level of training & management development, methods can focus on team-building, communication, and interpersonal skills. More advanced programs can include training and management development methods for specific roles or departments. Benefits: Team methods of management development can promote teamwork throughout the organization. In addition, companies with cross-trained staff maintain efficiency at all times. 5. Shadowing Training & Management Development Methods Shadowing is one of the easiest and most cost-effective of the management development methods. The concept is simple just pair up two managers for a day, a week, whatever length of time works. One manager follows the other around and provides feedback and observations. Then, on another day, they reverse roles. Benefits: Even though shadowing is essentially free, the feedback between colleagues can be extremely valuable. Both parties must feel completely open to provide honest advice or this training and management development methods will not be as effective.

Suitability of Development technique

1. Job Rotation Develop diversified skills, broaden outlook of executive 2. Understudy Help succession planning by developing skills of juniors according to a pre-set plan 3. Multiple Management Assist managers in expanding their outlook and knowledge in various functional areas 4. Case study Develop analytical, reasoning and problem solving skills 5. Behaviour modelling Teach interpersonal and cognitive skills 6. In basket Promotes situational judgement and social sensitivity 7. Role playing Translates theoretical knowledge into action plans and to promote good human relations skills among trainees. 8. Business games Develops smart thinking, quick reactions, initiative, organising and leadership skills 9. Sentivity training Promotes self awareness and its impact on others 10. Conference Improve and expand knowledge, attitude and develop inter personal skills 11. Lecture Imparts conceptual knowledge to a large audience within a short span of time.