Speaker: Richard G. Milter, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

Topic: The Future of Learning for Business Leaders

The world of business has been in a permanent whitewater condition for quite some time. The recent economic crisis has added to the complexity of the challenges facing business leaders. Some of our most respected leaders have come under fire for less than optimal decisions and actions that do not fare well under scrutiny. Both government and industry leaders are searching for better options as we look toward a rather murky future.

The ability to learn from experience can provide a pathway toward a brighter future. Rather than repeat the same prescriptive remedies, it is time to search for actions that will help us transcend the current debilitating trends. Business leaders should more fully appreciate the words of Abraham Lincoln... "The dogmas of the quiet past will not work in the turbulent future; as our cause is new so must we think and act anew."

This session will address how business leaders might better respond to the current economic crisis while protecting the vision and mission of their organizations. The role of learning is suggested as a vital component to the success of business organizations. Learning institutions must be able to respond to the permanent whitewater condition faced by business leaders. The simple mantra of caring for the bottom line is misguided. Leaders must read signals from a plethora of channels as they navigate toward sustainable futures. New models should be provided to help busy executives cope with evolving cues. Incorporating appropriate technology into the mix adds another level of complexity as executives grapple with myriad forms of communication, information, and organization.

The dogmas of many "accepted" learning processes simply do not address today's basic learning needs. Many familiar standards for assessing competence in leadership are ineffective. The dynamic nature of most industries requires that leaders become agents for change and visionary guides, while at the same time making sure the wheels keep moving. What is the best way to identify the key skill sets found in successful leader toolkits? How do you engender the required knowledge and skills in potential leaders? How do you stay current and responsive to the changing nature of your organization? This session will challenge your assumptions and provoke you to consider new ways to address the adaptive nature of business leadership.