Client
High-tech defense contractor L-3 Communications depends on expert program managers to get the job done for its customers, but their levels of experience varied widely.
Situation
Synergy developed a new style of expert knowledge transfer so that L-3’s very specialized program managers could learn important skills quickly. The resulting program was recognized by the editors of Human Resource Executive Magazine as a “Best HR Idea.” Called “Failure is Not an Option,” this program accelerates the professional development of L-3’s program managers all over the US.
Solution
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” …
We like the way L-3 has blended technology with personalized coaching and easily accessible training material. L-3 Communications is blazing new trails in management training.”
Result
Synergy used its expertise in program management and adult learning to develop the program, create the custom content, and deliver the instruction and e-coaching. The initiative worked so well that L-3 worked with Synergy to do it again, this time to discover and passing on the best learnings of its most experienced program managers across North America.
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