Experience-Driven Leader Development: Models, Tools, Best Practices, and Advice for On-the-Job Development

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Full-Time Strategic Projects for High Potentials

Paul Orleman

SAP

IN 2006, SAP initiated a High Potential Fellowship Program. It has been notably successful in offering high potentials powerful real-world development opportunities. The fellowship program provides the opportunity for high potentials to step out of their roles for six months and work full time on strategic projects, usually in a different functional area or country. At the conclusion of a fellowship, the participant returns to his or her original role.

Initially, the concept was a hard sell. It went something like this: “We'd like to take away one of your most talented resources ...