ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the design, implementation, and evolution of an assessment/development center program in a pharmaceutical sales organization. Based on the written feedback from the pilot program participants and their managers, the decision was made to continue with the program and schedule a series of sessions over the remainder of the year. Despite the name of the program, the Career Development Center was viewed more as an evaluation of readiness for management than an opportunity to learn about leadership functions and effective management practices. After 15 years of conducting the assessment/development center program, over 1,200 participants have taken part in the sessions, and many of them have subsequently been promoted to manager, director, and senior executive positions. The program started out being sponsored by the training department and later came under the ownership of the human resources department, enabling more comprehensive support.
