Business News
Investing in Leader Development Provides Competitive Advantage
Thursday 26. March 2009 - Dr. Cheryl A. Martin, Vice President and General Manager for Rohm and Haass (NYSE:ROH) Paint and Coatings Materials business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, says the return on investment for companies that invest heavily in leader development "is huge - business and financial goals are achieved faster; job satisfaction increases; retention improves, and, ultimately, a company develops deeper bench strength of talent for succession planning."
Martin made her remarks as part of the Presidential Symposium on “Leadership – Facing the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow” at the American Chemical Societys (ACS) national meeting Monday in Salt Lake City, Utah. The ACS unveiled its Leadership Development System at the close of the Symposium.
“Companies and organizations that invest in leadership development and follow through with training throughout the various stages of employees career have a sustainable competitive advantage over others,” Martin added. “Skills such as vision setting, awareness of ones affect on others, emotional resilience, comfort with how people get work done in ways that are different than yours, and embracing the importance of trust, honesty and ethical behavior are critical. Together, these exemplify leadership.”
Martin holds a PhD in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her working career began as a research and development scientist and quality manager. She then obtained experience in Marketing, Investor Relations and Financial Planning before taking senior level business leader roles. Today, Martin is the leader of a $400 million specialty materials business based in Switzerland that serves the paint and coatings needs of customers in Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, the Middle East and Africa.