Developmental Assignments: Creating Learning Experiences without Changing Jobs

by Cynthia D. McCauley

This book is modeled after "Eighty-eight Assignments for Development in Place," one of CCL's most popular publications. In the years since that report was published, we have learned more about development in place--from research, from working with managers and organizations that are making use of developmental assignments, and from our colleagues in the field. We believe it is time once again to consolidate our knowledge into one tool to help leaders add developmental assignments to their own jobs and help others do the same. The tables inside this book are full of assignments. You'll also find cross-references to CCL's assessment tools: 360 by Design, Executive Dimensions, Benchmarks, Prospector, and Skillscope. If you want to target the development of specific competencies as a result of receiving feedback from any of these, the cross-references will direct you to appropriate assignments.

Genres: Business

74 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2006

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a continuation of another book that I have not read. So the "theory" behind it is omitted and this little snip-it is strictly practical application. The premise is that leaders evolve out of job challenges. These challenges include: unfamiliar responsibilities; new directions; inherited problems; problems with employees; high stakes; scope and scale; external pressure; influence without authority; work across cultures; work group diversity. The author's point is there are ways to get these experiences without changing jobs or companies. They've also identified competencies leaders should have and offer practical examples of ways to build these competencies (there are twenty).

For my personal reference: the job challenge I need more practice at (haven't learned all my lessons yet) is problems with employees. And I actually need more practice giving and receiving feedback. The competencies I want to focus on currently: managing effective teams; communicating effectively; solving problems and making decisions. Tune in later.

[Praveen Kancharlapalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very concise and too the point. Real and Practical solutions for the corporate world.