DDI Partners With Cisco Systems to Create Leadership Development Program; Innovative Program to Identify, Develop High-Potential, High-Tech Leaders

Business Wire, March 8, 2001

Business Editors, High Tech Writers

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 2001

A corporation known for growth and innovation has turned to Development Dimensions International (DDI) to help identify and grow its future leaders.

DDI, a global human resource consulting firm specializing in leadership development and hiring systems, has been awarded a contract to develop an accelerated leadership program for the Customer Advocacy Department of Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco's rapid growth and emphasis on customer service make identification and rapid development of high-potential senior directors and managers a top priority.

"Today's high-pressure economy doesn't allow organizations the luxury of developing new leaders at a leisurely rate," said Matthew J. Paese, Ph.D., Practice Leader, Executive Succession Management at DDI. "To stay on top, organizations must identify high-potential leaders as soon as possible, then provide ongoing programs to accelerate their development."

The Cisco program will begin with an in-depth assessment of potential leaders. Customer Advocacy managers will attend a one-day session at DDI's assessment center in Pleasanton, Calif., where they will participate in simulations designed to assess leadership potential. Assessments will be followed by personalized feedback and training customized by DDI. High-potential leaders will also receive ongoing coaching from DDI Executive Coaches.

Another innovative feature is that DDI will also provide training for mentors of the high-potential managers. Managers selected as mentors will also undergo assessment from DDI, and attend a special one-day classroom training session. They will receive follow-up coaching from DDI on how to shepherd possible leaders through their careers.

"DDI's leadership development program will help us identify high-potential leaders faster than was possible in the past," said William G. Conlon, Senior Vice President, Customer Advocacy Global Support Operations, for Cisco Systems. "It will allow us to get the maximum results from our development budget and to focus our efforts."

Available for interviews:

Matthew J. Paese, Ph.D., Practice Leader, Executive Succession Management, DDI

To schedule an interview contact: Paige Pertz at 412-473-3404 or ppertz@ddiworld.com.

This press release is available electronically at www.ddiworld.com and at www.jackhorner.com.

About DDI

Since 1970, DDI has helped thousands of organizations achieve superior business performance through selecting, developing and retaining extraordinary people.

DDI's two major areas of expertise include:

-- Helping companies find and hire better people faster.

-- Building leadership capacity and capability, enabling organizations to meet
their current and emerging business needs.

DDI's innovative solutions, including Web-based technologies, are customized to the needs of each client by a team of 1,000 experienced associates in 70 locations around the world. For more information about DDI, visit www.ddiworld.com.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet.