Business Case Studies, Executive Interviews, Rob Jolles on Executive Development

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Executive Interviews: Interview with Rob Jolles on Executive Development
October 2007 - By Dr. Nagendra V Chowdary


Rob Jolles
President of Jolles Associates Inc.,
speaker and author


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  • Many executive development programs are structured to enhance very broadly, the knowledge, skills and attitudes. But we rarely come across execut ive education programs centered on inculcating in executives a sense of belonging the legacy they are treading and should leave, etc. It's primarily the software vs. hardware. The software does not seem to attract so much attention. Why is it that companies do not take their executives through a "history vision values" journey?
    I'm not sure why, but I certainly agree they should. The history of Xerox, for instance, was taught in a program in the first two weeks of employment. It was not an option.

    That program helped teach culture. At Xerox, this led to make all employed not feel like employees, but family members.

  • How to make development a fundamental part of organizational design?
    Simple. Development is not an option. It's a condition of employment.

  • What do you think is the role of Business Schools in providing not only the required talent but also in equipping the managers and senior managers in ever increasing demands of knowledge, skills and attitude?
    That depends on the school. For instance, if you toldme the Wharton School of Business had a training program for a company I was working with, I would sign up my team. However, many Business Schools are a little out of touch with real world scenarios. They are theory driven, but not reality based.

  • It has always been a case of elite business schools (Ivey league business schools) leading all way in this space? Why do you think it's so much more difficult to break this barrier for other non elite business schools?
    First, having worked with a prominent Ivey League school, I would not be so quick to assume that these schools lead the way. My programs are taught in over a dozen universities. I would personally endorse two of them. One of them is the University of Houston. They may not be considered "elite" but I would. They have wonderful curriculum, great teachers, and a dedicated student body. Good instructors and good curriculum will break the barrier.

  • In the light of increased globalization and greater role of emerging economies' companies, what specific trends do you foresee in executive development programs?
    I work with a major European training organization. They have been sending trainers here to the States to observe my sessions. It is amazing to me, no matter what the language, we all share the same issues. So, I suppose this increased globalization has leveled the playing field, and created a more homogeneous environment.


The Interview was conducted by Dr. Nagendra V Chowdary, Consulting Editor, Effective Executive and Dean, IBSCDC, Hyderabad.

This Interview was originally published in Effective Executive, IUP, October 2007.

Copyright © October 2007, IBSCDC No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or distributed, stored in a retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any form or medium electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the permission of IBSCDC.

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