“Interact is just common sense and decency. It’s the way you work with people that you care about.” President, UAW local, Ford Motor Company

--President, UAW local, Ford Motor Company
Professionalism
“We promote from within, so people move into jobs without having a background in leadership.” This is one of the most common reasons for bringing in Interact. Becoming a professional leader involves more than a half-day training program and a few rote steps. Below are a few of the questions we ask, and some of the answers our customers have given us.
 		  
Interact Questions   Examples from Interact's Experience with Customers

What are some concrete examples of the problem in your organization?

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•		 Every department has its share of tough employees. Several managers ignore these problem employees.

Some new managers have trouble building credibility with the employees that used to be their peers.

A few managers say or do things that are interpreted as discrimination, harassment, or favoritism.

Some managers don’t know how to explain, discuss, and support the organization’s strategic priorities.

What business impact do these actions have? How common are they? How costly are they?

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•		 Employees question whether their manager is fair. Morale drops. Employees think less about the job, and more about how they are being treated.

Managers rely on their formal authority and power. Instead of getting understanding, commitment, and initiative, they get reluctant obedience and compliance.

Managers and the organization become embroiled in costly litigation that saps the energy out of the group.

People work on the wrong priorities, waste time and energy, and become frustrated.

What are some approaches for addressing these issues?

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•		 Organization Design: Develop a corporate university. Create a competency architecture.

Organizational Systems: Implement a succession planning system. Build career paths that are tied to key competencies and experiences. Develop pre-supervisory development opportunities.

Training: Interact’s courses in Performance Management, Meeting Management, and Performance Problem Solving have played a key part in improving managers’ professionalism.