At first glance, this might not appear to be the best time for an organization to operate for a month without one of its top executives. But, according to the CEO of Executive Education at the Darden School of Business, the timing may actually be perfect.
“Never waste a good crisis,” said David Newkirk.
Newkirk oversees The Executive Program (TEP) at Darden. The month-long program, held every June, is an educational experience that allows executives to escape their immediate environments and immerse themselves in an atmosphere that helps them expand their skills and perspectives. Approximately 30 executives from businesses all across the world are participating in TEP this month.
“It’s often easier to make changes in a crisis,” said Newkirk. “People understand the need to change and markets are in flux. The Executive Program provides both the content and the context to help executives rethink their businesses and strategies.”
TEP is taught by professors who teach in Darden’s MBA program. Last month, the Financial Times ranked Darden’s faculty as the #1 faculty in the MBA world.
“The combination of new ideas and fresh perspectives in TEP are garnered as much from the faculty as from fellow participants,” said Newkirk. “Those ideas and perspectives along with the time for reflection and the opportunity for discussion, let managers develop and test new strategies in a safe setting.”
A great deal of learning takes place during the month. Participants truly change and grow throughout the program.
“TEP is all about developing an executive perspective, understanding the multiple facets of an organization and its strategy, and the connections between them,” Newkirk said. “By the end of the month, the student and faculty are not seeing business through a single, functional lens. Rather, they’re engaging business challenges through a combination of disciplines.”
For the corporation or organization, TEP helps prepare key talent to take on bigger roles and to deliver value cost effectively. Something that is extremely important in any type of economy.
Founded in 1955, the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business improves society by developing principled leaders in the world of practical affairs.
For more information, contact communication@darden.virginia.edu.