Cebu City – The lack of critical thinking and decision-making skills in the management level has been noted amongst many Philippine firms.

This is an observation made by Maria Carolina Dominguez, President and Chief Executive Officer of training and recruitment company, John Clements Consultants, Inc. (JCCI). “At present,” she said, “about 35 percent of new managers fail in their responsibilities because they have no management skills, and they still need to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.”

Dominguez, who visited Cebu Monday to introduce a program that will equip new managers with the skills she mentioned, urged company owners here to invest in leadership programs that will further develop the analytical skills of their top, middle, and new management staff.

In line with this initiative, the Cebu Educational Development Foundation for Information Technology (CEDF-IT) inked a pact with JCCI to launch the “Leadership Development Program for New Managers of the Harvard Business Publishing,” a first-level training aimed at helping new managers understand their new role in their companies.

The Program, which has a competency-based curriculum, was introduced Monday to several managers and members of (CEDF-IT), and is expected to start next month.

Bonifacio Belen, (CEDF-IT) Executive Director said this new manager program is part of the group’s thrust to develop at least 3,000 competent middle managers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in Cebu in the next two years.

JCCI, in partnership with Harvard Business Publishing, will carry out the leadership program in the CEDF-IT offices three hours weekly for eight weeks. The sessions will include case studies and online activities.

Some modules in the program include understanding a new manager’s role; working through others; managing performances; organizing resources; meetings; supporting one’s boss and the organization; networking with colleagues; and evolving as a manager.

Dominguez said they are targeting 25 to 40 participants for the new manager program.