Clearing the Way to the Top

EXECUTIVE MEMO

Clearing the Way to the Top

he route to agency corner offices could be getting a little clearer and easier.

After years of studies decrying poor training of supervisors, the Office of Personnel Management has stated unequivocally that the development of candidates for the Senior Executive Service must begin while they still are supervisors and managers.

Agencies "must provide for the initial and continuing development" of supervisors, managers and executives, according to proposed changes to federal rules governing executive development published in the Federal Register late last year.

The proposal also would clear away some stumbling blocks for candidates for executive posts. Currently, SES candidate certifications last just three years. Candidates who aren't hired into the executive ranks by then are forced to return to a qualifications review board to get their tickets punched all over again before hitting the SES job market. Under the proposal, certifications would have no expiration date.

The new rules would waive the requirement that executive resources boards rank the candidates for SES openings when there are 10 or fewer people contending for a job. The boards would simply refer all candidates to the hiring authority with their written recommendations.

Under the proposal, agencies would have to get OPM approval for new SES candidate development programs. The minimum requirements for these kinds of programs would include:

• At least 80 hours of formal training, including interaction with managers outside the candidate's agency;
• At least four months on developmental assignments designed to broaden candidates' experience and overall knowledge of how their agency works; and
• A senior executive mentor for each candidate.