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The Working Supervisor's Support Kit is a collection of information and tools to help working supervisors do a better job. It's based on what Wally's learned in over twenty years of supervisory skills training.

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The Institute for Executive Development recently sent out a news release to announce a new "study" on "Executive Transitions." Here's a key nugget.

"A new study by The Institute of Executive Development and Alexcel Group finds that almost one in three senior leaders who transfer into new companies – and one in five leaders who change within the same company – are not successful even after two years on the job."

The folks at the Institute for Executive Development make several recommendations about what to do. Most seem like common sense, such as "revisit the hiring process."

The discussion of the hiring process suggests looking at "personal style" and "interpersonal skills." No mention is made, though, of cultural fit. Lack of cultural fit can destroy any potential for success, even for candidates who are highly qualified in other respects.

What's strangely missing from the recommendations is advice to take a look at the leadership development process for internal candidates. That would be the first thing I'd look at.

If your development process leaves you with qualified candidates for every position, the need to go outside for talent drops. Internal promotions do not have to learn the cultural rules. They know the lore of the place, how to get things done and find answers.

I think the reason that analyzing and improving the leadership development process isn't on the list of recommendations is that it's hard and it takes time. Reports like this one often stick to things that are quick and easy, whether they actually fix the problem or not.

The problem with changing corporate culture and revamping the leadership development process is that you have to stay around a long time to see the results. And it's hard to get credit for work that won't pay off for a decade or more.

Wally's Working Supervisor's Support Kit is a collection of information and tools to help working supervisors do a better job. It's based on what Wally's learned in over twenty years of supervisory skills training. Click here to check it out.

Request your free copy of "Meeting the Challenges of the Boomer Brain Drain: An integrated approach."

Wally Bock has helped people learn to be great bosses for more than a quarter century. His latest book, Performance Talk: The One-on-One Part of Leadership, makes learning key leadership principles almost effortless by teaching through a story and providing lists of resources for further growth.

Click here to find out more about Wally's coaching services.

For weekly tips and resources pointers, check our Wally Bock's Three Star Leadership Letter.

Click here to find out more about having Wally speak to your company or convention.