The workforce changes, competition changes, and organizations change. But throughout these changes, one thing remains the same: managers need to get the job done and constantly improve how that happens. Enter Cornell ILR Management Development Programs.

"The mission of Cornell’s Management Development Programs is to provide practical tools and leading edge information that managers need to continually improve productivity," says Tom Willett, director. "Cornell’s ILR School is the nation’s leading authority on advancing the world of work. By blending academic research, theory, and practical experience from the workplace, Cornell’s programs play a vital role in the development of today’s managers and workforce."

Tom draws on his diverse managerial experience in hospitality, manufacturing, and international distribution when delivering management development workshops and certificates. He understands that the ability to manage people is the least tangible, yet most critical, element of professional success in most organizations. He crafted Cornell’s popular supervisory, management, and leadership certificates with that need in mind. "Each certificate program is designed to provide managers at different levels with the skills and knowledge that organizations value in the people chosen to direct their staff – and their future."

The programs integrate ILR’s rich academic resources and workplace research with real-world applications. A prime example of this academic/real-world balance is the new Proactive Leader Certificate series, which highlights the work of Samuel Bacharach, ILR’s renowned professor of organizational behavior. The certificate features three workshops from Professor Bacharach’s successful management book Get Them On Your Side that are sure to both inspire and empower leaders to "get the job done."

Tom’s most satisfying moments come when past workshop participants enlist his help in developing their organization’s staff development programs. "The fact that they want their entire team, or even their entire organization, to benefit as they did from the same learning experience shows we are making a difference and providing a valuable contribution to managers in the world of work."

- Tom Willett, Director
Management Development Programs