Executive Education for After the Crisis

Challenges lie ahead, there is no doubt. The fallout from the global pandemic will be felt for months to come. But a crisis is also an opportunity for people and organizations to show their ability to handle pressure and readiness to meet challenges.

The second half of 2020 will be a time of rebuilding for society and the global economy as things get back on track in both the private and public sectors.

Twenty-first century workers will continue seeing societal transformation, organizational restructuring, roles and processes redefined, jobs eliminated, and new ones created—an ongoing process already elevated by digital disruption and now to be accentuated by the Covid-19 crisis and its aftermath. It is for this reason that executive education has never been more relevant.

In the coming months companies will be looking for people who are proactive and flexible and can draw from a pool of skills to tackle unanticipated problems and situations. Workers will need to be able to demonstrate resilience and entrepreneurship with their capabilities. This does not mean just senior leaders, but managers and front-line workers as well.

The future is cross-disciplinary. Specialized ‘hard’ skills, while critical, aren’t enough to succeed; workers need a well-rounded approach to their roles in business. For example, in today’s workplace, the ‘softer’ skills of emotional intelligence and empathy are as important as technical abilities and business savvy. As automation and disruptive technologies become more prevalent, the creativity and problem-solving acumen, which executive education is able to confer on participants will be in high demand.

Executive education has always adapted its methods and curriculum with an eye to providing not only foundational skills and knowledge, but also the most up-to-date competencies needed for success. Contemporary executive education is built on the notion that the agility that grows out of lifelong learning is mandatory in a volatile, uncertain world.

The effects of the current pandemic on society and the economy will be felt for a while to come. Preparing for the future by seeking both personal enrichment and professional growth through executive education will always be a stabilizing force for the twenty-first century worker and their organizations.

In this complex and challenging time, new leadership skills and behaviours are needed to ensure the continuity and business success. Based recent research, Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC) has launched several business continuity services and learning activities designed to give your people the skills they need right now to future-proof your organization and to lead effectively in a time of crisis and rapid transformation. SEEC’s business continuity model is designed to promote both a shared organizational development journey along with a highly personalized menu of learning options. For information on these services email: seec@schulich.yorku.ca

Find information on SEEC's Online and Virtual Classroom Programs HERE.