Instructions Discuss The Methods Used In Your Organization

Instructions Discuss The Methods Used In Your Organization To Develop

Discuss the methods used in your organization to develop project and program teams and project, program, or portfolio managers.

Paper For Above instruction

In my professional experience, organizational development of teams and managers occurs through a combination of structured training, hands-on experience, mentorship, and continuous learning opportunities. My roles at Spectrum as a Technical Supervisor and at Kroger as a Delivery Driver demonstrate different approaches to professional development suited to their respective operational contexts.

At Spectrum, a major telecommunications provider, the development of project and program teams, as well as managers, emphasizes technical training, leadership development, and practical experience. As a Technical Supervisor, I was responsible for overseeing complex system maintenance and problem-solving activities that required advanced technical knowledge and supervisory skills. The organization supports this development through targeted training programs to enhance technical and managerial competencies. These include formal classroom sessions, online learning modules, and on-the-job training where technicians are mentored by experienced supervisors and managers.

Additionally, Spectrum emphasizes leadership development to prepare technicians for roles with greater responsibility. This includes participation in leadership workshops, coaching sessions, and cross-functional projects. The organization encourages a culture of continuous improvement, where managers are supported in acquiring certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Six Sigma to improve project management capabilities. These development initiatives are complemented by performance reviews that identify skill gaps and formulate personalized development plans.

On the managerial level, Spectrum promotes the development of project, program, and portfolio managers through specialized training in project management methodologies like Agile and Waterfall, coupled with practical assignment of managing projects under supervision. This exposure enables managers to develop skills in resource allocation, stakeholder communication, and risk management. Mentoring programs pair less experienced managers with seasoned leaders, facilitating knowledge transfer and practical learning.

At Kroger, the development methods are more immediate and customer-service oriented, focusing on operational efficiency and safety. As a delivery driver, I received initial training on vehicle operation, safety protocols, and customer service expectations. Kroger emphasizes on-the-job training supplemented by periodic safety refreshers and customer service workshops. Although this role involves less formal managerial development, the company encourages employees to advance into supervisory or specialized roles through internal development programs.

For employees aspiring to grow within Kroger, the organization offers leadership training programs, digital learning platforms, and mentorship opportunities. Employees are encouraged to participate in store management training, which prepares them for supervisory roles with responsibilities such as scheduling, inventory management, and team leadership. The company also promotes a culture of professional growth by recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance, which motivates employees to pursue further development opportunities.

Both Spectrum and Kroger demonstrate that effective organizational development involves tailored approaches aligned with operational needs. Spectrum’s emphasis on technical expertise and leadership through formal training, mentoring, and certification programs fosters a highly skilled project and program management workforce. Conversely, Kroger’s focus on operational excellence, customer service, and internal career development allows employees to grow within their roles through hands-on experience, safety and service training, and leadership development programs.

In conclusion, my experience underscores that organizations develop their project teams and managers through a combination of structured training, mentorship, practical experience, and performance-based development initiatives. These methods ensure that team members are equipped with the necessary skills to meet organizational objectives and adapt to evolving business environments.

References

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  • PMI. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) — Seventh Edition. Project Management Institute.
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  • Gibson, C., & Van Maanen, J. (2015). Developing Effective Managers. Harvard Business Review, 93(6), 83-91.
  • Cannon, J., & McDonough, T. (2018). Employee Training and Development in Retail and Service Industries. International Journal of Training Research, 16(2), 138-154.
  • Weinstein, M. (2020). Leadership Development in Technical Fields. TechManagement Review, 29(3), 22-29.
  • Roberts, L. (2019). Effective Mentoring in Organizational Settings. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 26(4), 432-445.
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