Across the brands at Specialist Staffing Group (US division of SThree plc), we run various management training programs including CMEP (Certification in Management Essentials Program). We spoke with Emily Fitzpatrick, our Senior Learning Consultant in Chicago, to find out more about the program and her role as a learning and development trainer.
The Introductory Course for Management Training
Emily is currently in the process of rebuilding CMEP, to ensure it fits the US business. CMEP is the introductory course for management training. It’s the initial training you must take when you hit your ASTM targets or have three direct reports. As Emily explains, “It’s made up of a few different components, such as: classroom training, management coaching, on-the-desk learning (assignments), and peer-led learning.”
The program takes five months to complete, with around 10 or 12 managers going through it at one time. “One of the key elements is that you’re in a class with people from all over the US. Instead of seeing the people from your office every day, you’re exposed to different people, different offices, different styles of management, and different opinions,” says Emily.
CMEP Generates Positive Feedback
This particular training is quite different to any other that we provide through the RecruitFit and RecruitMax programs. It provides them the tools to be more than just an effective salesperson – they can become great leaders and managers too.
Emily says, “People are intrigued by what makes their team tick and how they’re motivated. This program is loved so much because it’s the first time people can develop their skills outside their day-to-day job. It gives people the chance to start looking at people strategy, motivational strategy, strategic thinking, and communicating effectively.”
As a result, the program gets a lot of positive feedback, with Senior Directors and VPs often saying it was the best training they ever had. Once completing the program, participants are asked to provide anonymous feedback. Some examples of responses include, “Emily’s energy is infectious, and her honesty and empathy lead to a really inclusive environment, while remaining ordered” and “Emily is a great person and brilliant trainer. She brings so much energy to the class and really understands how to deliver the content so it sinks in and makes sense.”
It’s Important to Invest in Your Leadership Team
Investing in your leadership team is the most important thing a company can do to guarantee success.
“I think the wealth and sustainability of a business comes from having a talented and well equipped management team. Managers affect all aspects of an organization and everyone in it, from new starters or people that have hit a rut, right through to top performers. Ensuring your management team are competent, energetic, and engaged is the key to positive results,” states Emily.
CMEP Meets Our Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
CMEP focuses on making each individual manager as skilled and knowledgeable as they can be. At the same time, it also demonstrates inclusion and diversity. We bring together people from different brands and offices, allowing them to express their options and ideas, ensuring they know their voice is important. Emily works hard to individualize the program to each specific manager, to ensure everyone feels welcome and has the tools necessary to be an effective leader.
This is something Emily hopes inspires managers, saying, “Ideally we’d like them to implement this strategy to their own teams by engaging and encouraging the members on their team to apply their own unique lens to the job.”
She then goes on to say, “I believe there’s more than one way to be a great manager. You earn your spot on CMEP from what you bring to the company, and then the company invests time and effort in you, allowing you to bring your unique approach to the management team.”
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