Last updated on September 5th, 2012 at 04:09 pm
Every leader is aware of the value of a well-defined business strategy. Few, however, truly give thought to the leadership required to implement those strategies, especially ones that call for changes in the direction or capabilities of an organization. Having sufficient talent to fill key leadership roles is imperative for a successful and growing independent grocery retail operation.
Developing current and future leaders is a key priority within our industry and can yield huge dividends when effective people and processes are put in place. N.G.A. has always stressed the importance of developing the next generation of industry leaders and how it is vital to position an organization for long-term success. This is why for eight years N.G.A. has offered our members the opportunity to develop themselves and their future leaders with our Executive Leadership Development Program.
The N.G.A. Executive Leadership Development Program provides rising grocery executives with the knowledge, tools, resources and inspiration necessary to lead their companies and drive future growth. It is a high-impact learning opportunity delivering intense, interactive instruction presented by a mix of respected academic and industry leaders. More than 250 N.G.A. member executives, representing senior leadership from more than 100 independent retailers and wholesalers, have graduated from the program since its inception.
While numbers don’t lie, just take a look at what some of our graduates have said about the program:
“The N.G.A. Executive Leadership Program gave me thoughtful and critical insights into my leadership style and capabilities far beyond that of other programs I’ve attended. It has helped me grow as a leader and redirect my energies both personally and professionally. The residual effects of this experience will no doubt impact the remainder of my career and my life.”
—Emile Breaux, SVP of Sales & Marketing, Associated Grocers Inc., Baton Rouge
“I know of no other grocery-specific program as comprehensive or as informative as N.G.A.’s Executive Leadership Program at Cornell. The difference between good leadership and good management and why both are so critical to a company’s long-term success are covered in depth by the best and brightest in the field.”
—Dean Sonnenberg, President/CEO, URM Stores, Spokane, Wash.
The program is offered at Cornell University, and for the first time this year will be offered at the University of Southern California (USC). The programs—generously sponsored by PepsiCo Inc. and Unilever—help retailers and wholesalers develop leaders who can lead transitions, inspire others to perform at their best, align the actions of others with business objectives and develop a culture that reflects the company’s mission and values.
I encourage you to take a view minutes and visit www.nationalgrocers.org to learn more about the program. Nominations are due April 15, so do not delay!
Consequently, your leaders can’t afford to miss this invaluable opportunity. The grocery industry is in the midst of a radical transformation that requires exceptional leadership skills from today’s executive. Forward-thinking leaders invest in their company’s future. Visionary companies continuously invest in business strategy and develop tomorrow’s leaders as part of ensuring long-term business growth.
