Root Inc. Launches Its Root Compass(R) 2.0 Manager Development Program

SYLVANIA, OH--(Marketwired - Feb 26, 2014) - Root Inc., the strategy execution consulting company, today announced the availability of Root Compass^® 2.0, the latest version of its manager development program. New developments include a greater focus on storytelling to effectively engage participants; enhanced visualization and data presentation; more rigorous action planning for greater post-training success; and a significantly enhanced overall look and feel.

Managers have one of the toughest and most important roles in any organization. They must understand organizational goals/priorities and the strategy to achieve them; identify how their department fits into the overall picture; and coach, motivate, and inspire each team member to deliver on the strategy. Given those complexities, it's critical to invest in their development.

Root Compass is solely focused on equipping managers with the right mindset and foundation for success in this difficult yet critical role -- subsequently helping organizations build a network of very strong managers that are capable of driving successful teams and delivering on company strategy.

"The Root Compass program had the most remarkable participant feedback scores I've seen for any program in my 15 years of organizational development," said Joe Marques, manager of organizational development and learning at University Hospitals. "The approach used -- which was highly engaging and interactive, enabling our leaders to share their experiences and perspectives and learn from each other -- was as important as the content. Months after going through the program, I continue to receive comments from leaders on the impact the experience had on them and their teams. We are excited to bring Root Compass to the rest of our organization."

Many organizations are shifting their attention and their training dollars to strengthen their managers. Recent research conducted by the Kelton Group and sponsored by Root reveals that 70 percent of organizations cite growing manager skills among the top three business priorities for 2014, and it is a top priority for HR and training. 

"Managers truly are the linchpins in every organization, and increasingly organizations are recognizing that and investing in their development," said Alison Lazenby, director of manager development and Root Compass at Root Inc. "Root Compass is designed to give managers the skills, tools, and knowledge to lead their teams to breakthrough results. The program focuses on real-world experiences, encourages peer-sharing, and has a very practical bias so that when managers leave, they have the confidence and conviction to put their new insights and skills into action immediately."

Root Compass 2.0 and Upgrades
The Root Compass manager development program couples the importance of engaging and inspiring people with a set of core skills to deliver results through their teams. Content delivery is compelling, practical, and action-oriented. It uses a variety of solutions including Strategic Learning Map® modules, games, storytelling, videos, assessments, visual exercises, building blocks, role-playing, and journaling to keep the process fun and effective, delivering greater retention and practical application. It is designed for both new and seasoned managers, and focuses on connecting employees to the business strategy through better management.

The program begins with a brand-new 60-minute Strategic Learning Map module, the Manager's Canyon, which sets important context and helps managers understand the impact they have on their teams and the business. Managers are introduced to three new Root Compass characters, who each struggle with different aspects of the job. The characters give managers permission to be truthful with themselves and other managers at the session, which drives conversations that are more authentic and insightful -- ultimately evoking a stronger willingness to commit to change.

The Root Compass Framework then guides participants through the following components:

• Know My Role - identify and embrace the role as a manager in the organization
• Know My Business - understand and articulate the company strategy
• Connect My Team - develop skills to connect the individual team members with the company's purpose and strategy
• Deliver Results - practice new competencies and create detailed action plans to deliver results through their team

Additional new features include updated research data to aid comprehension and impact, extra content on methods for better delegation, expanded action-planning activities, and an updated look and feel with new imagery to knit the program together.

Results and Feedback from Root Compass Participants
The Root Compass program has already netted significant results for organizations. Here is a snapshot of results garnered after one company implemented the training and their managers put the learnings into play:

• Manager effectiveness increased 8 percent.
• Employee engagement improved by 9 percent.
• Customer loyalty index increased 10 percent.
• Turnover decreased 35 percent.

Anecdotal feedback from course participants include:

• "Best and most practical training I have done at any company I've worked for."
• "It was 'clarifying' and reminds us what we often forget to do: take care of our staff, not just our numbers."
• "This course will help me build a stronger team and make me a stronger manager."

For more details on Root Compass 2.0 or Root's point of view on the importance of managers, please visit Root Inc.'s website or visit the company's YouTube channel.

About Root Inc.
Root is a strategy execution company that helps organizations engage their people as the catalyst and driver for change. Root does this by connecting people with complex strategies using creative and visual methods, transformative insights, and consulting know-how on strategy deployment and sustainment. With more than 20 years of capabilities developed from partnering with the world's largest businesses, Root has created a proven framework that consistently achieves clarity, ownership, and results. Based in Sylvania, Ohio, Root has been recognized as a Great Place to Work for eight consecutive years. Visit www.rootinc.com for more information or follow Root on Twitter: @therootinc.

Note: Root Compass and Learning Map are registered trademarks of Root Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of other companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.