Global Leadership Forecast 2008-2009 is an annual study conducted by Development Dimensions International (DDI) that examines current trends in leadership development. Study participants included 1,493 HR professionals and 12,208 leaders from 76 countries.

This report identifies major shortfalls in leadership development initiatives around the globe and recommends strategies that employers can use to strengthen their leadership development programs.

Seventy-five (75) percent of executives surveyed identified improving or leveraging leadership talent as a top business priority. By citing it most often from a list of 14 challenges, policy makers signaled, at last, the importance of leadership for organizational success.

Source: Development Dimensions International

Social Networking sites aren't just for Generation Y anymore. Increasingly, companies are finding them invaluable for recruitment, retention, and even for landing new business.

Many companies already use such popular social networks as Linked In, inCircle Pro and QuietAgent to recruit new hires. A new twist is the rise of internal social networks designed to help employees connect with coworkers, alumni and potential clients. These networks are "all the rage," according to vice president of the Center of Excellence at HR consultancy Knowledge Infusion.

Employees create personal profiles that include education, work history, current projects, personal interests and other data and can then link to those who share something in common. Such communication takes place over a closed network, ensuring that, for example, sensitive information about job openings or business plans is restricted to approved parties. Such networks can help companies "onboard" new hires, Corsello says, by providing them with a quick way to learn about their coworkers and the company's goals and culture. Social networks can also help remote, part-time and field workers feel more connected to the organization.

Source: CEO, September 2007

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Jim Hokenson, a machining technician instructor at Moraine Park Technical College's West Bend campus, is the state's first Machine Tool Trade Master in the Machine Tool-Instructor/Trainer and Machine Tool-Technical/Specialty Skill Track. Hokenson met the associate of applied science degree requirements and successfully completed 10,000 hours of post- journey level trade-related training to achieve the certification.

"Just to keep pace with the increase in technology, efficiency and flexibility needed by Wisconsin manufacturers, employees need to keep learning so that they can stay ahead of the competition," said Marcia Arndt, Moraine Park dean of manufacturing. "The Machine Tool Trade Masters Program was set up by the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards to encourage continuous learning within the profession. Jim Hokenson becoming the first person to complete the Trade Masters program is evidence of what Moraine Park instructors are doing to take a lead in the computer numerical control (CNC) and tool- and die-making market in Wisconsin."