Create a Standard for Managment

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?