The learning package includes:

• 36 – minute VHS video
• DVD with chapter selections
• Leader guide
• CD-ROM with PowerPoint presentation and 3 Booster Shots
• 10 participant workbooks
• 10 reminder cards

The video and DVD contain the same content. It is a bonus in terms of production quality to have access to a professionally done DVD in addition to the video. The other pieces provide resources and follow-up ideas for the facilitator of the learning event. The CD contains a 15- slide PowerPoint presentation to support the training. The slides include too much information. It almost seems that the producer predetermined the number of slides and tried to jam everything into them.

There are three other PowerPoint presentations called Booster Shots. Each contains information on two of the skills. I think that they would be much more useful if each skill were dealt with in a separate presentation. The leader guide suggests that the trainer should send one of these per week after the training to each participant and their manager to help everyone focus and practice the skills. In theory, this concept works; however, I believe the approach is too self-directed for the average learner. Individual coaching would be better because it provides just-in-time support. The Booster Shot could provide discussion points for the participant to think about prior to a coaching session.

The leader guide is comprehensive, including a workshop checklist, tips for creating an effective learning environment, a self-assessment for the learners, and six activities. The guide allows flexibility in the training delivery. It offers two workshop outlines, “Standard” and “Stop-n-Start.” Both approaches include about 190 minutes of workshop time.

Whichever outline the facilitator selects, he or she will be using the video to support the learning activities rather than just playing it for the entire 36 minutes. The design is solid, something that I would expect from any professionally done of- the-shelf program. It allows the materials to be delivered by someone without knowledge of adult learning principles because the activities are already grouped into small sections. This ensures that the learning can be retained and extended with the pre-designed activities included in the leader guide.

The key points of content are six leadership skills presented in two ways through the video-DVD. For each skill there is an example of the training cadets at West Point receive and a workplace example from former graduates who now work in private industry. This approach works because of the adult learner’s desire to see how the information learned can be applied in his or her own work. The product designers selected diverse examples in terms of industry, gender, race, and, to some degree, age:

Again this example of diversity is something we should expect; therefore, I didn’t boost the rating beyond average.

Recommendation
New leaders learn best under the guidance and care of more experienced leaders. Leaders of Character from CRM Learning illustrates that point without being direct about it. An astute learning professional can use this video in two ways:

• To teach the six skills presented in the program
• To bring executives on board with the understanding that leadership is a process and that they can act as mentors who take the time and care to develop new leaders

Learning professionals can point out to organizational leaders the key elements from the West Point examples when creating a complete leadership development process. I recommend this video only with the understanding that it should not be used as an event, like attending the workshop or watching the video alone. It should only be used as part of a comprehensive process. The materials included in the package lend themselves to follow-up. Beyond the materials, there should be coaching or mentoring occurring in order for behaviors to change and for learners to receive the full impact of a leadership initiative