Looking through a variety of Human Resource job postings, I noticed something interesting. Many HR positions, even some entry level positions, prefer a Professional in HR or Senior Professional in HR certification. Some HR positions were looking for a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance designation. These certifications were in addition to a specified level of education, years of experience, etc...
I began to think about the strict requirement for HR, and overall how little they interact with the employees. As an employee I have worked at companies where I never had an interaction with an HR representative. I guess they must have been doing something right in those companies.
Here’s where I had my “aha!” moment. Why don’t we begin a certification process for managers?
Managers are often the first responders to employee situations or issues, and they arguably have the biggest impact on the employees in their area/department. Considering that the US Economy loses over $500 Billion Dollars per year due to unproductive and disengaged employees. Managers are listed as a primary reason that employees stay with or leave a department or company.
Managers have a lot of challenges. They need to meet sales and productivity goals. They are required to respond to business operations issues. Yet there is not a set standard of competency for managers. I have often seen a good employee promoted to a lower level management role with very little training. I think this does a disservice to both that employee as well as the others. I know that some companies have good management training programs, but I still wonder if they continue manager development.
How can a manager offer development if they don’t know how. What if they aren’t getting development? Now I understand that some people seek development on their own. But if companies are not doing it consistently, then why not create a standard that could be transferrable across businesses and offer continuing development?
What would you include in a Management Certification Program?
