Situation:  Synergy’s program management work with L-3 Communications has been recognized by the editors of Human Resource Executive Magazine as a "Best HR Idea for 2009.”  Called "Failure is Not an Option," this program accelerates the professional development of L-3's program managers all over the US.

In announcing the award, the editors said,

“Leave it to high-tech defense contractor L-3 Communications to spice up training.

When company organizers wanted to provide essential management training to more than 150 program managers throughout the world, did they seat them all in a darkened room, throw stacks of notes at them and ask them to sit through hours of lectures? No. …

L-3 Communications developed a curriculum for its program managers at 24 site locations that blended Web 2.0 technology and hour-long learning modules, archived online for reference anytime.

Each learning module was followed by an assignment, to be completed and submitted to an e-coach, who provided personalized support and encouraged participants to stretch their capabilities.  Each session that the participants successfully finished earned them a "Certificate of Mastery” …