Survey after survey reveals that leadership is one of the most significant challenges for organizations throughout the world. Organizations that succeed in developing effective leaders and leadership practices enjoy a distinctive competitive advantage. Organizations that fail may find themselves in a precarious position.

Executive MBA Programs grew out of a need to bolster leadership within organizations. Their format, which allows employees to earn a degree while continuing to work full time, is tailor-made to deliver a general management education to high-potential and fast-track executives.

Organizations can help in several ways:

• By identifying employees who would benefit from such programs
  
  
• By financially sponsoring high-potential employees
  
  
• By allowing employees to take limited time away to attend classes
  
  
• By creating and maintaining a supportive atmosphere for employees during the program
  
  
• By encouraging employees to share and apply skills on the job
  
  
• By assigning a senior-level mentor who can help employees further develop and grow
  
  
• By working on a professional development program with employees to maximize their new skills