ENCOURAGING "UNFETTERED THINKING"
After 26 years in the US Navy, commanding both a fast-attack submarine and a TRIDENT ballistic missile submarine, Bob Boyce joined PECO Energy in 1990 and began navigating the turbulent waters of industry deregulation. In addition to transferring his skills to the private sector, he also wanted to make an about-face on his "unilateral style of decision making." He chose Wharton's Executive Team Dynamics to get him up to speed. "This course helped me transition into a more collaborative form of leadership," he said. "By listening to everyone, I'm able to uncover information that may not be obvious at first glance."
Originally Boyce thought he'd take just one quick refresher course on leading teams; instead, he re-upped for three more courses, earning a Certificate of Professional Development in a little over three years. In addition to the program content, the interaction with other managers has offered new insights on his work. "All of my courses have had a balance of young, vibrant upwardly mobile professionals, along with older executives from all over the world," he said. "This mix, and the Wharton faculty, encourages unfettered thinking."
When Boyce was assigned to oversee a proposed merger for PECO, he signed up for Mergers & Acquisitions."After taking the M&A course, I was better able to ask germane questions. I understood the numbers better and whether or not our expectations were realistic." After taking two courses in response to urgent needs, Boyce felt it was time to make "a preemptive strike" and signed up for the Executive Negotiation Workshop. "I didn't want to wait until I needed a course," he said. Nevertheless, the course provided immediate and direct assistance in working with employees. "I learned to negotiate 'to position' so that both sides understand each other."
When Boyce looks back at the past three years, he recognizes a shift in his thinking since beginning his coursework at the Wharton School. " I've learned that it's essential for me to keep learning," he said. "At my current job, most of my colleagues are younger than I am. What I've seen here at Wharton — in my lectures and breakout sessions — is how to engage and challenge my employees. I've soaked up a lot of extra learnings just from the diversity in age, gender and industry from other attendees."
ROBERT'S CPD TRACK
- Executive Team Dynamics
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Executive Negotiation Workshop
- Finance and Accounting for the Non-Financial Manager