EXECUTIVE TRAINING PROGRAM

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Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP85B01152R001001300050-0
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RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
K
Document Page Count: 
11
Document Creation Date: 
December 21, 2016
Document Release Date: 
June 13, 2008
Sequence Number: 
50
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
June 14, 1983
Content Type: 
MEMO
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PDF icon CIA-RDP85B01152R001001300050-0.pdf677.68 KB
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Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85BO1152RO01001300050-0 13 July 1983 3 TO: (Name, office symbol, room number, Initials Date~oj~ Date AND TRANSMITTAL SLIP ROUTING Agency/Post) 1. DDA 2. 3. a ion File Note and Return proval For Clearance Per Conversation s Requested For Correction Prepare Reply irculate For Your Information See Me omment Investigate Signature Coordination Justify REMARKS /-`1130 For your information and discussion at 0830 DDA Staff Meeting tomorrow, 14 July 1983. as a KLUVKU OT , concurrences, disposals, clearances, and similar actions FROM: (Name, org. symbol, Agency/Post) DDA/CMS 7C-18, Hgs. OPTIONAL FORM 411 tKev. i=iv Pr.scribed by GSA roux (L% CFRI 101_1L2O6 Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B01152RO01001300050-0 Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 Central Intelligence Agency Washington, D.C. 20505 22 June 1983 NOTE FOR: D/OTE A comprehensive study well presented. Please proceed with the component reviews as proposed in paragraph 7. Depending on the results, we will see whether Executive Committee action is necessary. Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 3-FO $t m 79 610 7V Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B01152RO01001300050-0 Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B01152R001001300050-0 OTE 83-6300 14 JUN 1983 yD r_st;rf MEMORANDUM FOR: Executive Director VIA: Deputy Director for Administration FROM: Director of raining and Education SUBJECT: Executive Training Program . 1. BACKGROUND: Since January 1983, the Executive Development Staff of the Office of Training and Education has been engaged in a review of executive training programs appropriate to the needs of the Agency. The effort started with a survey of some 20 external programs such as those at the Foreign Service Institute, the National Security Agency, the Federal Executive Institute, the senior schools, and major univer situ Drograms. In'April, the Center for the Study of Intelligence conducted a conference on Executive Development. The observations and suggestions of the conferees were circulated to the Executive Director, the deputy directors, associate deputy directors, all the office directors, chiefs of area divisions and major staffs and their deputies for review and comment. These officials were then interviewed by the Executive Development Staff to. determine what type of executive training program would suit the needs of each component. These results are being analyzed with the help of the Psychological Services Division of the Office of Medical Services. A detailed report will be issued this fall. 2. SURVEY RESULTS: The results of our survey are ambiguous. There were significant differences in the approaches taken by various components to executive development and even greater disparity in perceived needs and recommendations for an executive training program. Major differences in emphasis between directorates and, at times, between deputy directors and their component heads were noted. 3. Nevertheless, we believe we have been able to draw sufficient guidance from the study to permit us to structure an improved executive training program. Nearly all the respondents, for instance, favor some type of senior officers' course and want it to be coordinated with other developmental activities such as rotational assignments taken at the initiative of the individual and the career service. There was little support for a centralized executive development effort, but there was a perceived need to integrate training more carefully into component programs. There was a substantial. demand for a more flexible training program with about an equal split on whether we should offer one long course or a series of shorter courses. Nearly all those interviewed stated that executive development should start well before officers reach the SIS level. 4. OPTIONS: After a review of the interview data and additional discussions of approaches which would be responsive to the component needs, we in OTE have come up with a group of options for your consideration. No best option derives from the interview data. We have a preferred option which we will develop below, but any of the listed options appear to be a workable executive training program: Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B01152RO01001300050-0 SUBJECT: Executive Training Program a. Continue a longer course, Senior Officer Development Course (SODC) or Senior Seminar, for Category I, GS-15s. b. Conduct a two/three-week course for all newly promoted SIS officers. This course would focus on those skills and perspectives which tend to be unique to an Agency executive. c. Conduct no formal senior course; rely on other OTE courses, rotational assignments, and external training. d. Conduct a series of brief elective courses on subjects of specific interest to Agency executives. (Open to all SIS and GS-15s in executive positions.) e. A mix of option (d) with either option (a), (b), or (c). 5. DISCUSSION OF OPTIONS: a. Long Course - An SODC-type course for GS-15s, shortened to about 10 weeks, would offer a relatively comprehensive survey of the international environment, the relationship of intelligence to the policy process, issues affecting intelligence collection and analytical processes, and perspectives on management at the executive level including a week-long field trip to explore management in the private sector. It affords ample time to develop extensive student involvement through team projects, exercises, and individual presentations. A number of senior officers attested in the survey to the value of such courses as a key career development experience. In addition to broadening professional perspective, it provides a significant break from office routine, a time for reflecting on one's career development, and an opportunity to establish lasting relationships with colleagues from other components. The major disadvantage is the reluctance of managers to release the best officers from critical tasks for that length of time; as a consequence, many officers get to executive positions without the benefit of such a course, while others are assigned to such courses who clearly are not destined to become executives. The structure of such a course also puts a premium on a balanced distribution of students among the directorates. b. Short Course - A two/three-week course for new SIS officers would offer an overview of key factors in the external environment that affect the Agency's mission; issues confronting managers of the intelligence process, and perspectives on the role of Agency executives. It would be briskly paced, very selective in scope, and crisply focused on the skills needed by the executive to cope with the challenges and issues confronting the Agency and the profession. The objective is not so much to produce either generalists or experts but to give specialists a broader executive perspective of the Agency. It also would highlight things the executive can do to further his career growth. If the course were mandatory for all new SIS officers, it would ultimately provide a common developmental experience for all Agency executives and enhance a feeling of "oneness." The chief disadvantage would be the risk that a course of such brevity would .be regarded as too superficial to be of value; many significant issues would be touched on only lightly or ignored altogether out of necessity. Moreover, a short course puts a premium on the quality of instruction and would necessitate "total Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B01152RO01001300050-0 Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B01152RO01001300050-0 SUBJECT: Executive Training; Program immersion" to optimize the limited time available for training. Opportunities for student involvement would be limited, and there could be no field trip. c. No Formal Senior Course- Dropping a senior officer course from the OTE curriculum would respond to those who feel that skills and attitudes essential for good managers are either acquired early in one's career or not at all. Under this option, Career Services would focus on ensuring that potential executives are identified as "comers" at an early stage (GS-12/13) and would deliberately nurture and develop this potential by scheduling attendance at the wide variety of courses offered by OTE to officers at a more junior level. These would include such courses as the Program on Creative Management (or the Center for Creative Leadership), the Midcareer Course, the Management Seminar, Management Development Courses, and the Advanced Intelligence Seminar, among others. The existing curriculum of some of these courses could be modified as necessary, and some might be run more frequently to ensure that ample opportunities are offered to -those needing such courses. External courses would also be used where appropriate. The major disadvantage of this option is that it offers no Agency-oriented assistance to officers needing a shift in perspective as they pass a significant career milestone, i.e., moving to senior management positions. Although specific skills or knowledge may be critical to a senior officer's assignment, most executives stressed the importance of a "big picture," i.e., an Agency-wide perspective for executives. The need for.such a shift in perspective seems most critical at the SIS threshold. d. Electives - A modular approach - i.e., a program of seminars or workshops on specific topics or issues - would offer substantial flexibility for meeting the training needs of senior officers from different components. These training modules could range from a one-day tutorial on a topic such as executive health or a three-day workshop on dealing with Congress, to a five-day seminar on the interaction of intelligence with the national security policy process. Some modules could be oriented toward specific executive skills, others toward broadening an officer's understanding of the Agency and the environment in which it functions. Some segments could be designed to meet specific directorate needs, but most would have Agency-wide relevance. Viewed as a total package,. the scope of these modules would be broader than that of a long senior officer's course, but officers could be designated to attend only those increments particularly relevant to their individual needs. On the other hand, no single increment would stand alone as meeting the need for executive training. Planning and managing a developmental program of this sort would be a complex challenge requiring close and continuing interaction between the Career Services and OTE to ensure that the right courses are being offered with sufficient frequency to meet the Agency's requirements. e. A Mix of the Above Options -The modules discussed in Option (d) above could be o ered alone or in combination with Options (a), (b) or (c). A mix of a long course (offered once a year in the fall), complemented by a modular program conducted primarily in the winter and spring, would introduce some flexibility into the traditional approach. The combination of a short, overview course with an elective program would meet the expressed desire of many Agency executives for a short course for which the best people could be made available, complemented by a series of seminars and workshops which would help tailor training experiences to each individual's particular needs. Another combination offering fewer advantages Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B01152RO01001300050-0 Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B01152RO01001300050-0 SUBJECT: Executive Training Program would be a mix of the mid-level courses such as the Midcareer Course with a series of seminars that could be taken when an individual reaches the. executive level. 6. RECOMMENDED APPROACH: We believe that the combination of a short, overview executive development course offered twice a year after the fall. and spring SIS promotions are announced and complemented by a modular program of seminars and workshops would be fully responsive to the Agency's needs as determined in our survey. This approach could be further supplemented by a deliberate program to broker short- term developmental assignments or tutorials such as the Inspector General's proposal to -use component executives for three or four months to participate in an inspection. This approach would in no way conflict with or replace other developmental experiences which ideally would be part of an Agency executive's development such as attendance at a major external course (e.g., FEI, Harvard Business School, or a senior service school), or a rotational assignment outside one's component or outside the Agency. 7. REQUESTED ACTION: 0 a. Because of the differences of focus found in the survey, it is suggested that our proposal, including the five options, be reviewed first by the deputy directors and their component heads; and b. That the Executive Committee then decide which of the options best meets the executive training requirements of the Agency. The Office of Training and Education will provide whatever additional data/briefings may be required in the consideration of this program. B - Executive Training Electives Attachments: A - Short Course Outline Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B01152RO01001300050-0 Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 Outline for Two/Three-Week Course for New SIS Officers Course Objectives: 1. To help new SIS officers-make the conceptual shift to an executive perspective. 2. To heighten awareness of the international and domestic context for Agency activities. 3. To enhance the individual's competencies for managing resources and activities in support of Agency goals. .- 4. To foster a collaborative, team approach to resolving -Agency management issues. 5. -To help build a common experience base for Agency executives. Topics to be Covered: 1. External Environment: Challenges to U.S. national security interests. Domestic issues affecting national security policy. The interaction-of intelligence with the policy process. CIA and the Congress. CIA and the law. II. Managing the Intelligence Process: Human resource management o Issues in recruiting, retaining and developing people. o How to use Agency personnel management controls and systems. Regulatory issues and pitfalls confronting the executive. Strategic planning and the budget process. Managing large programs. Specific management and resource issues o Collection, technical versus human. o Improving the quality of analysis. o Trends in covert action. o Impact of technological trends on the executive. III. Executive Perspectives On becoming an intelligence executive -- personal and professional growth. Executive leadership -- using power and authority judiciously. Ethics and the intelligence profession. The changing role of the Agency -- managing the future. Corporate wisdom -- goals and views of top management. Risk -- and taking responsibility for decisions. Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 A aa_.~ent B Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 EXECUTIVE TRAINING ELECTIVES The following list is representative of the kinds of training modules that could be presented as part of an executive development program. These short courses could either complement or substitute for an executive overview course. Course content can be adapted to the specific interests and needs of the participants. Additional subjects can be added as necessary. A. One-Week Courses These seminars and workshops provide a more in-depth- coverage of types of executive management topics.introduced in the two/three-week core curriculum. They would require greater student involvement (through case studies and.outside preparation) and would focus on the competencies identified as necessary for effective performance in senior executive positions in the Agency. 1. Creative Problem-Solving: Covers a variety of approaches to problem-solving at the executive level, including ways of analyzing the problem-and gathering information to lead to more creative and effective decisions. 2. Planning, Budgeting and Financial Management: The use of strategic planning as a device for management control; our budgetary system; and the mechanics of the budget process. 3. National Security Policy and Processes: The national security and foreign policy formulation process, and how intelligence is used in support of that process. 4. Organizational Change and Development: How the Agency executive relates to the work of the organization from a macro or institutional perspective. Would cover organizational maintenance, introducing change and innovation, organizational reform, and evolving role of the executive. 5. Program/Project Management and Evaluation: Instruction in the principles of managing mega-programs, major projects and other large-scale organizational activities. Program planning, evaluation and control, contract management, how to manage well with limited staff resources. 6. Information Management: Recognizing the special role of the Agency as a supplier of information, this course would review executive skills relating to information resource management and office automation. Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 7. Personnel Management Systems and Career Development: Looks at personnel management from the perspective of an executive, focusing on Agency systems and controls, exploring career development as an element of personnel management, examining the stages of professional and career development and processes such as managing a , career service panel, ranking and performance evaluation. B. One/Three-Day Courses Short symposia. involving some outside preparation or- readings. 2. Intelligence Collection 'in the 1990s: This seminar focuses on changes in the environment for technical and human source-collection,. and initiatives being-considered to meet this challenge. 3. Quality of Intelligence Production: An examination of the issue, including consumer reactions (speakers), the status and findings of recent product evaluation activities, management views on current qualitative trends, an exercise in product evaluation, and the effectiveness of Agency efforts to improve the quality of analysis. 4. CIA and the Congress: A workshop on the interaction of CIA with the Congress, covering roles of relevant committees, Agency responsibilities to the Congress, budget and oversight implications, and guidelines for Congressional presentations. Includes talks by senators, representatives, staffers, and appropriate Agency executives. 5. Automation: Examines the human and organizational impact of the computer revolution. 6. Seminars on Substantive Issues: Reviews of major foreign trends or issues affecting U.S. interests with respect to (for example) Soviet policy, the strategic balance, the Middle East, international economic develop- ments--using outside experts from the media, academe, and policy agencies as well as Agency specialists. 7. Understanding Economic Change: Explores topics found to be important to the Agency executive in the fields of national and international economics. Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 8. Understanding Technological Change: Examines topics found to be important to the Agency executive. C. Executive Skills and Personal Development Allows participants to focus on improving practical skills that they will use in their jobs. 1. Writing for the Executive: A workshop focusing on the principles of rhetoric, plus selection of the appropriate form and writing style for different readerships. Methods of clear, concise expression would be practiced. 2. Oral Presentations: A workshop to assist the inexperienced executive who must give briefings to Congress or make public addresses. It would cover techniques, the use of briefing aids, and practice in oral presentations. 3. Computer Skills: Examines how computers can be used .to support executive management, including hands-on exercises with a variety of useful programs 4. Executive Health: This seminar would include an executive physical examination and personal risk . assessment. Physicians from OMS would discuss factors such as diet, exercise, and stress in executive performance. There would be an opportunity for individual counseling. 5. Conflict Resolution/Negotiation: An ability to arbitrate and resolve conflicts within one's own organization and negotiate with others is one of the key competencies of an executive. This workshop would introduce some techniques and provide some practice in their use. 6. Guest Speakers on Timely Topics: Prominent authorities would be invited to address selected executive audiences on key issues of policy, management, substantive or professional intelligence interest. 7. History and Lore of the CIA (Directed Readings): We serve in an organization with an illustrious past, much of which is not known to our newer officers. This program would include outside readings and discussions with officials who participated in selected operations. 9. Executive Practicum: (One day) Incumbent Agency executives (SIS-3s and SIS-4s) will analyze and evaluate a current Agency policy or management problem identified by top leadership. They then discuss their findings with a senior Agency manager (DDCI or EXDIR). Approved For Release 2008/06/13: CIA-RDP85B0l 152R001001300050-0 _