Johnson & Johnson: Executive Development and Solving Business Issues through Action Learning

FEEDBACK & RESULTS

As a result of the Executive Development Program, the participants from diverse businesses generated valuable recommendations to modify the strategic planning process, many of which were implemented. It provided the attendees with a perspective of how to gather information and make a case for their recommendations to the senior management of Johnson & Johnson, which was not an easy task. Participants also reported that they were able to apply much of what they learned to their own Johnson & Johnson businesses. The program stimulated collaboration, networking and synergy among the participants. The senior executives reported that the program provided an opportunity for them to interact with the participants, and also helped them to understand what and how the group of high potentials think and act.

The feedback received about the program from the executives who attended the final presentations and the participants themselves was very positive. The executives praised the teams for generating meaningful ideas which were implemented. They also recognized the value of the action learning process, and how it could be used in other Johnson & Johnson businesses.

The quality of the recommendations presented was believed to be equal to or better than those developed by outside consultants in other similar consulting projects. The advantage to this program is that Johnson & Johnson retained the process and learning; participants became in-company consultants. The Corporation had additional added value because the intellectual property is not leaving after the reports were presented.

Most participants reported that the team-building experience was a valuable part of the program. The opportunity to work on a heterogeneous team comprised of people from different businesses, functions, cultures, and management styles was viewed as a learning experience. Few participants knew each other prior to the program and they quickly recognized the importance of effective teamwork which would be necessary to present some very specific recommendations for the business. There were many opportunities throughout the program for participants to provide frank and open feedback to each other and improve their team effectiveness, which was viewed as a very important part of personal development.