Lake Forest Corporate Education

Information Technology Talent Development

Specialization

Our Information Technology Specialty Since 2006, LFCE has provided research-based, targeted practical learning opportunities to more than 1,000 IT professionals.

Our expertise is expanding IT Professional skills in the area of overall business acumen, communication, and leadership. We’ve helped IT professionals across the globe to become:

•Trusted advisors and consultants.•Business value contributors•Credible agents of change

•Cross-departmental collaborators•Leaders and members of high-performing teams

A Sample of Technology Organizations We’ve Served

Todd D. Klopfenstein Business Group Leader

Enterprise Technology Service & Support Information Technology Services

Hewitt Associates Lincolnshire, IL

A Sample Testimonial:“LFCE’s Business Leadership Certificate Program for IT professionals was both mentally stimulating

and personally invigorating.

The small group setting was outstanding – a secure, non-threatening environment in which to

share ideas, concerns, successes, and trials with other IT professionals.

By incorporating the DiSC personal profile system into each module, LFCE integrated the program

with a common thread. The modules on Communications and Negotiation were the most

beneficial to me.

This is a ‘must attend’ program for any IT professional who wants to deliver stronger results

and truly LEAD people.”

Christine Stone, PMPProgram Delivery Manager – Chicago

Technology Solutions Group EMC2

Lisle, IL

“In LFCE's IT Certificate program, I took notes as quickly as I could write. During the course of the training I solved a

critical workflow issue, reshaped next year’s strategy, and changed the rules of engagement for a very large team.

The four weeks between sessions were some of the most productive I have had in the last year. My team saved an

estimated 124 hours of work, translating into an estimated $6,000 - $12,000 in cost savings – and the benefits are still

occurring.”

A sample testimonial:

LFCE’s Approach to IT Specialization • Our programs are based on targeted research

• LFCE Research – “Unleash the Business Potential of Your IT Experts”

• Latest Industry Research (Gartner, Booz, CIO Executive Council)• Advisory Groups with Leading Industry Experts

• Our programs incorporate:• Case-based learning and experiential learning with IT realistic

scenarios• IT specific job aids and tools to use back at the job• IT specific action learning assignments to convert training into

desired outcomes

Sample Course Curriculum Module Options COMMUNICATION/CONSULTING

MODULESBUSINESS ACUMEN

MODULESLEADERSHIP

MODULES

Enhance Communication With Diverse Stakeholders

Create Business Value Through Financial Understanding

Lead High Performing Teams (Global)

Sharpen Abilities to Influence and Negotiation

Create Business Value Through Strategic Understanding

Leading Technologists (Based on work of Paul Glen, author of Leading Geeks)

Build Business Partnerships with Consulting Skills

Create Business Value Messages Leading Innovation

Strategic Persuasion for Business Collaboration Excellence

Understanding a Framework to Translate IT Benefits to Business Value Impact

Leading Change

Consult, Collaborate, CommunicateBolster Stakeholder Relationships

Innovate to Drive Cost Savings and Profit

Sample Business Leadership Certificate Program for IT Professionals

Enhance Communication With Business Partners

Create Business Value through Financial and Strategic Understanding

Sharpen Your Abilities to Influence, Negotiate and Conduct Challenging Conversations

Proactive Consulting with Business Partners Using An Internal Consulting Model

Lead Teams to Improved Performance

Sample IT CaseIT Partner and Business Partner Expectation Case StudyDirector of ERP Systems/Director of Compensation

Your business partner is the Director of Compensation. He has asked you to install the new Compensation Manager software within the next 30 days.

You wonder whether Compensation Master is the best 3rd party solution or whether there might be other systems that perform just as well if not better, and which are built specifically for your ERP system.

Even if Compensation Master is the right tool, is $100,000 the right price? You would like the opportunity to verify other cost items such as training, technical support, maintenance etc.

Sample Assignment – Strategy Class

Action Step 1: Ask your Officer (O) Group/Business Unit Head the Following Questions:

1.What is our strategy and how does IT support it?2.What is our biggest strategic challenge?3.What is our value discipline?4.What (who) could put us out of business?5. What’s our biggest strength? Weakness?

Sample Tool

LCFE Business/IT Alignment ScorecardProject Profile: Include information about the Company's Goals, IT's goals, and how this project fits into Gartner's Run, Grow, Transform Model

Strategic Alignment

Bus

ines

s

1In which Business area does this project align?

To be replaced by pulled down or list to be provided

2What is the level of Impact to the Business?

1-10; 1=low, 5=medium, 10=high

3How is the Business strategy supported by this project?

Please explain

4to manufOperationally, does this project impact the company's current ability

acture, sell or provide service?

1-5; 1=low; 5=high

IT 5In which IT area does this project align?

To be replaced by pulled down or list to be provided

6What is the level of Impact to IT?

1-10; 1=low, 5=medium, 10=high

7Yours is what type of IT project? Run, Grow, Transform

8How does this project align with IT strategy?

To be replaced by pulled down or list to be provided

Sample Assessment

Reflection: Am I a Business Enabler?

1 = Occasionally

2 = Frequently 0 1 2

1. I present or play a significant role in my department’s business-planning process. O O O

2. I present or play a significant role in my key stakeholders’ business-planning process. O O O

3. I consider key financial indicators (for example, return-on assets, cash flow, gross profit, and shareholder value) to drive my strategies and decision-making. O O O

4. I use financial information to compare my company’s performance with those of competitors or benchmark organizations. O O O

5. I use financial information to compare my business unit to other business units within my company. O O O