Facing—and Meeting—a Critical Challenge
The Challenge – Most managers achieve success in the early phases of their careers through increased specialization—continually refining their expertise in a single functional area. At some point in their careers, however, the best of these specialists face a difficult challenge: to re-create themselves as generalists. Almost overnight, they must develop new skills and adopt a businesswide perspective to become effective strategists, organization builders, and leaders. They must address the threats—and the opportunities—posed by a changing competitive environment.
Whether formally designated as "general managers" or senior functional leaders with general management responsibilities, they must rapidly transform themselves into effective generalists. If this transition is left to on-the-job training, it can take years to complete and may cause unnecessary business disruptions.
The Response – Early career success often comes through specialization in a single functional domain, but further advancement frequently requires the development of a more general set of skills and a more comprehensive, multifunctional perspective. In short, future success requires an ability to think, act, and lead differently. The goal of Harvard Business School's General Management Program (GMP) is to smooth and accelerate this transition into general management.
In five segments that take place either on the HBS campus or at your workplace, GMP combines skill building—in strategy, finance, and leadership—with the exploration of new theories and practices, as well as exposure to critical new perspectives.
GMP helps you select, develop, and retain employees; build strong teams; and position your business for growth and sustained profitability. On a personal level, the program enables you to examine and rethink your most basic assumptions about management and leadership. It is a time for self-reflection and personal discovery—an interlude that helps you refine your judgment, enhance your skill set, and increase your confidence.
"I took away a lot of value from the General Management Program. The interactive, discussion-based learning that took place in the classroom and the real-world experience shared by industry guest speakers were most beneficial. From administration to teaching, every aspect of the General Management Program was exceptional."
Syed Abdullah [Group Director], Naghi Group, Saudi Arabia