New
and impr oved
HR
MAXA Programme
Prepare for success with MAXA
An elite leadership development programme
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Could this be
you?
Are you the cream of the crop? MAXA is a limited-place fast-track development programme that prepares and equips knowledgeable, creative and learning agile managers to take on even more challenging and rewarding roles within Biogen Idec. The MAXA programme is a two-year tailored investment of time and resources in Biogen Idec’s future leaders. But MAXA is not for everyone; it will take a lot of hard work and commitment. Working through the Eligibility Quiz and talking to your Manager will help you decide whether the programme is for you or not. Biogen Idec has alternative leadership development programmes and there may be one that would suit you better. See page 19-20 for more options. So, the big question is, are YOU ready for MAXA?
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[Mirror foil]
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Can you take the pace? Why Maxa? By Hans Peter Hasler MAXA is Biogen Idec’s elite management training scheme -
MAXA mentors who will do periodic checks to see that things are
a ‘hothouse’ development programme designed to cultivate and nurture
progressing well. In addition, there is project work designed to expand
the skills of a new crop of emerging leaders.
your experience and ability to deliver top-notch results.
We created MAXA because we need a reserve of candidates
MAXA requires substantial commitment - you need to put in a lot
with strong management and leadership skills - to take on the
to gain the full rewards. This level of commitment should be driven
challenges we are facing since the Tysabri launch. The launch of this
by a passion for personal growth and a need to be the best. We are
important therapy has initiated an exciting period of substantial growth
confident that MAXA will provide the means for the successful to
for Biogen Idec, which will result in more complex jobs requiring even
realise their dreams.
stronger management and leadership skills all round. With this in mind, we have redeveloped our entire series of development programmes so
To get onto Maxa - you need a track record of success, and a
that everyone can benefit from them: senior managers, managers and
passion for your own development. You need to be a senior manager
other employee groups.
or above. Successful applicants will show us their determination, their agility in tough situations, and their suitability for bigger jobs.
But MAXA is very special, providing a sustained fast-track to the top - but only for those with the determination, stamina and
So, now it’s up to you - Take the time to work through this booklet
capability to get there. We have created a suite of experiences and
and think carefully about your suitability and dedication for MAXA
events to accelerate the development of these people towards the
before you apply. It’s not to everyone’s taste, and other development
competencies we know they require. Entry to MAXA is on merit, and
programmes may be a better fit to your workload, preferred pace for
continued participation requires dedication to an exhilarating two-
development and capability. But for those who have got what it takes,
year regime of learning. MAXA events are planned long in advance
MAXA is “the business”.
with external speakers and follow-up support. There is developmental guidance from 360s and assessment centres, as well as dedicated
3
“
We are confident that MAXA will provide the means for the successful to realise their dreams
”
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It’s all about
commitment Commit to succeed
What is required from you? Attend and fully contribute to all mandatory Maxa modules Participate in Maxa projects Create and update a Personal Development Plan Have an open mind and receptive approach to feedback Apply all new skills and knowledge to further improve your performance in your existing role
As it is aimed at providing the boost needed to take on a broader role, the Maxa programme involves a whole range of extra-curricular work. Training events, project work, mentoring and coaching will take place alongside focused and personalised development during the two-year programme, so it does require a significant amount of commitment. Commitment, though, is a two-way street. In order to make the programme worthwhile for participants, we will also commit ourselves to investing time and resources in you.
Our commitment to You
Take personal responsibility for your own development and career Initiate dialogue with others concerning your progress on MAXA Have an open-mind to all career opportunities including those outside your career comfort zone Spend time reviewing what you want from your career as well as actively plan to achieve that aim
Participation in a two-year programme with tailored development and support Significant investment in terms of time, resources and money to help you to develop the skills and knowledge that are required of a future leader within Biogen Idec Attendance at professionally run training programmes, which we will endeavour to schedule at least six months in advance The option of internal mentoring and/or professional coaching to help you develop your career Continual progress and performance review and constructive feedback Opportunities to deliver real business value by working on cross-functional projects Structured development options on completion of the Maxa programme Encouragement and support of your career aspirations
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8
Eligibility Quiz
Are you ready for MAXA? HR
This quiz gives you the chance to think carefully about the competencies that we are looking for in a MAXA participant. Try and answer the following questions to see if you have MAXA potential.
4 Does your last PPA rating and review demonstrate your top performance? 5 Are you promotable within two years and do you have further potential after that? 6 Does your success profile demonstrate your competence in your current role? 7 Are you fluent in the company language of English?
Pre-Eligibility Test 1 Are you a manager at Grade 10 or higher? 2 Are you committed to dedicating the time required to complete the MAXA programme (six modules of 2–3 days each plus preparation and project work each year)? 3 Are you a consistent high performer demonstrated by a three-year track record of delivering results either in Biogen Idec or with a previous employer?
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If you have answered yes to all the above, please start the quiz at
MAXA Programme
10
Are
you
uld ualities co of these q y n a m w o 8 H you? ay apply to honestly s
7 Your dream team consist s of... A
B
learning agile?
A diverse group of talent, wor king towards a common goal
C
A hierarchy in terms of age and
D
Skilled people with a respectf
ed
Open-mind
A
rk approach
Flexible wo
C
Hands-on
D
experience
nt style
manageme
g to others
Encouragin
E
ul attitude
g
mmunicatin
Skilful at co
B
A friendly bunch of people with similar backgrounds
you
F G
l Able to dea
m
ctive criticis
with constru
nt developme g personal in o g n o to Committed
Being agile means being nimble and fast on your feet. But agility is not just physical; learning agility is the key element that distinguishes good managers from enlightened
People Agility
and progressive leaders. Take our mini-quiz to see whether you have the agility to make
ters of the past prime minis Being able to name your country th tact conflict situations wi Being able to solve and diplomacy anyone in talking frankly with Being comfortable your organisation
A
B
agile when you...
Find solutions to tough problem
C
dge of Biogen Have an encyclopaedic knowle
s
A
Idec history trasts easily Can draw parallels and find con
Can build and maint
B
Usually meet dead
C
Are flexible and ad
when you think of someone who is comf ortable with complex ity and ambiguity?
C
A person who remains
calm and makes rea-
Results Agility
pressure
4 The best thing about cha presence is...
A
Asking lots of questions
B
Questioning conventional wis
C
A time waster
D
9
dom
The basis of exploration and and knowledge
thus discovery
risma or personal
A
Being able to charm and ma nipulate people to get things done
B
Motivating people to achieve the very best they can
C
Commanding attention whe n you address a roomful of people
D
Getting positive feedback from
Mental Agility 1 Curiosity is...
le
itude to most peop
others
Within a calm and focused team of likeminded people
C
Constantly changing but with an over arching vision and a diverse group of colleague s
D
Chaotic but fun
sitions th those in similar po
wi Being competitive to your own
How did you score?
ion
B
Maintain high perfo rmance in new or ch allenging circumstances
1 – 8 points Learning lethargic -solving, you With your toolkit for problem ial within certainly have a lot of potent ays room for Biogen Idec, but there is alw ly for MAXA improvement. Before you app thinking again though, it may be worthwhile ent required about the time and commitm We offer a to complete the programme. development variety of different leadership be just right programmes one of which may for you - see page 19-20.
7) a = 3, b = 2, c = 1, d = 2
President of a major nat
Projecting a peer att
9 – 23 points Learning lively a truly impresYou have what it takes to be sence and the sive leader: personal drive, pre need now is to ability to build teams. All you fort zone and put yourself out of your com r learning agile exercise and strengthen you e offers a muscles. The MAXA programm ld-class leadkind of training camp for wor programme ers. Consider applying for the brochure. – details can be found in this We offer a to complete the programme.
4) a = 1, b = 3, c = 2, d = 2
B
E
of
8) 2 points for each ticked box 9) a = 1, b = 2, c = 3, d = 2
Albert Einstein
aptable to a variety
D
F
Working towards annual targets
tor
unica Being a skilled comm
5) a = 3, b = 1, c = 2, d = 3 e = 3, f = 1 6) a = 1, b = 3, c = 3, d = 2,
A
h-per-
lines for reports
situations
2 Who springs to mi nd
ain consistently hig
forming teams
D
en you...
king
A
development variety of different leadership be just right programmes one of which may for you - see page 19-20. er 24 – 38 points Truly learning limb must you ity, With this much learning agil one of Biogen be well on the way to being rest on your Idec’s top leaders. But don’t Biogen Idec laurels now. Applying for the gramme will MAXA rapid development pro ning agility so enhance and develop your lear potential. that you can reach your own
Answers:
B
C
‘results agile’ wh
situation as...
1) a = 2, b = 3, c = 1, d = 3
Enjoy doing both sudoku and
D
5 You know you are
crosswords
A
9 You would describe your ideal wor
2) a = 1, b = 2, c = 3 3) a = 2, b = 3, c = 1, d = 3
lly 3 You know you are menta
soned decisions under
Change Agility
is... 6 Political savvy
mental leaps and bounds . . .
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16
The Maxa programme
Year 1 modules
overview
Year 2 modules
CONGRATULATIONS! Getting through MAXA is a very rewarding ex-
So if you decide to go for MAXA, this is what the next two years
perience, and the benefits don’t end here. There
may look like for you; yes, it will be intense, but also very rewarding.
are many post MAXA development options
The programme has been designed to give candidates the skills, experience, knowledge and exposure that they require to take on a broader role.
including:
External Speaker Event
The 360-degree process
External Speaker Event
Being a Biogen Idec leader means being able
Dealing with Ambiguity
Developing Direct Reports
Interpersonal Savvy
Motivating Others
Managing Vision and
Organisational Agility
Purpose
Innovation Management
to improve your skills by listening and learning from what you hear. The 360-Degree process perceived. Through a series of coaching ses-
MAXA Briefing Day & Development Workshop
sions you will understand:
This very important day is when you get to see
current role These competencies have been selected in order to focus MAXA on organisational development gaps and to develop leaders who are equipped for the future. The first year must be passed into order to move onto the second. For real high-fliers, the opportunity
Coaching for Results
tells you how your capabilities as a leader are
• Your feedback results in terms of your
Managerial Courage
Business Acumen at BIIB
the full picture of what the MAXA programme
• How to set goals for current and future
entails; It’s essential that both you and your
success • How to create a development plan for yourself, and achieve it.
manager attend. In addition, project groups will be assigned and briefed on this module.
Being a MAXA leader involves having an acute
One-to-One Feedback & Coaching Session
building some solid foundations for your career
opment programmes
you to understand where you are trying to get
• Job shadowing
During a one-to-one coaching session you will
to in your career and build a structured de-
• Job secondments
this area, including staying abreast of current
be helped to understand the results of your
velopment programme that helps you to meet
• 10,000 Euro development budget
and future policies, practices, trends and in-
360-degree feedback exercise and focus on
that aim.
• Attend and actively participate in annual busi-
formation affecting the business; knowing the
the key areas that you would like to develop
competition and being aware of how strategies
during Year 2 of the MAXA programme.
the most out of each member of your team and
calibre external speaker, this module will en-
therefore maximise your team’s effectiveness
lighten you as to how to develop your skills in
and achieve the highest level of performance.
nity to practice them using real life scenarios.
• Act as a coach for delegates on other devel• Access to external speaker events
sense of what is good business. With a high-
some key models and skills and the opportu-
Year 1 of the MAXA programme is about
• Six one to one coaching sessions
as a future leader. In Year 2 we will work with
Coaching is an invaluable skill if you are to get
This highly interactive module will give you
Post Maxa Development Options
ness review (or functional equivalent) • Access to any Maxa training event as a refresher
Ye s
Eight specific competencies form the basis of the MAXA programme:
Personalised and Function-Specific Development Options
and tactics work in the marketplace.
“It’s not just an interesting course” Gert-Jan Kouseband Country Manager Netherlands Biogen Idec Benelux
“The benefits of the MAXA are two-sided. On a personal level, I can improve the skills that I need for my current job and my future prospects. The other side is that the level of skills within Biogen Idec will be improved and a talent pool is created within the company.
to fast-track the programme will be available.
Year 1 Assessment
The programme content will consist of a series of mandatory elements, along with more individualised learning opportunities. Candidates will take part in workshops, network meetings, have
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Review Day
Module 6
Module 7
Project Presentation
Proceed to Year 2?
the opportunity to listen to industry and company speakers and
Yes
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
personalised modules
Final Assessment
Project Presentation
Graduation?
will also be part of a work-based project group, along with other MAXA delegates.
This module gets to the essence of being a
In this module, you will develop your per-
that are invaluable in both personal and pro-
good leader and managing people well. You
sonal development plan (PDP) which must
fessional contexts. You’ll learn how to build ap-
will learn about the spectrum of skills that this
be signed off. In addition, you will identify a
propriate rapport with people, create construc-
entails, including approachability, composure,
suitable mentor with whom you share your
tive and effective relationships, handle people
conflict management, directing and developing
360-degree assessment feedback and PDP.
with tact and diplomacy and be able to diffuse
others and managerial courage.
During this session, you should agree details
high-tension situations comfortably.
such as mentoring objectives and frequency or
No
give you the opportunity to practise some of
meetings/calls. The mentor’s feedback will be
these key skills within a safe environment.
gathered as part of the MAXA review process. There are a number of reasons why you may not want to pro-
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This module will be highly participative and will
Note
ceed with MAXA. Check out the other Biogen Idec leadership
For Modules 4, 5 and 6, there will be a sched-
development options on page 19-20 . When you feel the time
uled conference call with the trainer at 4,
is right and you have all the skills, experience and commitment
8 and 12 weeks after the training event to
necessary, feel free to apply to MAXA.
review the application of learning.
At the start of the second year of MAXA, you
Time for a break? It may be that this is time you decide not to move forward to MAXA’s second year. It’s an intense programme and at this point, having received your feedback report, we may recommend that you explore some of our other development options. You can use the assessment report to build your PDP. Once this is agreed with your manager, you should utilise our Development Architect tool and Framework so you can continue your leadership development.
Year 2 Briefing Day & Development Workshop
o
In this module, you will hone the people skills
360-Degree Feedback
N
Managing People
o
Yes
Interpersonal Savvy
N
Are you ready for MAXA?
One-to-One Feedback & Coaching Session
will have the opportunity to undertake the
This module will be attended by both yourself
360-degree feedback process again. This pro-
and your manager. Your second-year project
cess can help you to hone in on the areas of
is assigned and will also be sponsored by the
Time to rethink your options?
strength that you should maximise, whilst help-
Managing Directors. In addition, project groups
The MAXA process and projects are chal-
ing you to clarify the areas of your manage-
will be briefed.
lenging; it may be that you didn’t quite make
ment style that require further development.
the grade this time. But that’s okay, as this provided an opportunity to receive a constructive feedback report on your development so that you can build your PDP in agreement with your manager. There are also more options for continuing your professional developing including using the Development Architect tool and Framework.
MAXA is not just an interesting course; it’s a process. I am constantly confronted with my behaviour and skills. This has given me the opportunity to develop and improve both myself and how I work. But the programme is not suitable for just anyone. There should be a strong internal driver for personal growth and a realistic self-awareness. Before applying, you should ask yourself, is this my ambition? Do I have sufficient time to participate? I am looking forward to continuing my participation.”
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Maxa
Questions & Answers
How do I apply for the MAXA programme? The MAXA programme is open to all managers in International
What support will I get whilst I am on the MAXA programme?
at Grade 10 and above. Once a year, all eligible managers
The Company is committed to your ongoing development and
will be contacted and invited to apply to the programme. The
will make a significant investment in terms of time, resources
application process consists of a self-review, your manager
and money to help you to develop the skills and knowledge that
completing an application form and assessment centre.
are required of a future leader within Biogen Idec. You will be provided with professionally run training programmes and the option of internal mentoring and/or professional coaching to
What happens if my application to attend MAXA isn’t
help you to develop your career. In addition, Biogen will continue
successful?
to provide you with structured development options once you
All unsuccessful candidates will receive feedback on both
have completed the MAXA programme.
their strengths and development areas, and more suitable development options will be made available. You will continue to work on your development with your manager and may reapply for the MAXA programme in the future.
Will I get promoted at the end of the MAXA programme? Promotion at the end of the MAXA programme is not automatic role and a new role being available at the higher grade, but
There are no mobility criteria associated with the MAXA programme; however, you should be aware that in terms of progressing your future career, the more mobile you are, the more options are likely to open up for you.
!!!
What happens if I have already attended workshops that
difficult to attend the MAXA workshops?
are run as part of the MAXA programme?
All the MAXA workshops will take place in Zug. However,
The programme contains a number of structured events, in
the focus of MAXA will be on the outputs of such sessions
the form of mandatory modules, which all participants must
and how the knowledge gained is applied. As such, distance-
attend. In the rare circumstance that a MAXA participant can
learning modules could be available as alternatives to attending
fully demonstrate the application of the learning that has
the mandatory workshops for those who are geographically
been gained from a previously attended event, they will not be
remote. Should such options be taken up, it will be up to
required to re-attend.
those participants to demonstrate that they have applied what they have learnt within their roles, just as is required of those attending the workshops.
Biogen Idec International provides a comprehensive curriculum How will I be reviewed whilst I am on MAXA?
MAXA is a structured development programme run over a twoyear period. Each year there will be approximately six mandatory modules, each being two to three days in duration. In addition there will be project work and pre and post workshop activity.
also on the extent to which you have utilised the development opportunities that MAXA has given you. Whilst we can’t make promises about what new opportunities we can offer, we will encourage you and do all we can to support your career
via the intranet. In addition, as part of a structured series of development programmes, a Director’s Development
passing a six-monthly review in both Years 1 and 2 and a full-year
Programme will be run that provides a package of workshops,
assessment at the end of Year 1. All reviews will take the form of
along with the opportunity to attend a development workshop.
a formal interview using the criteria as detailed below: measured by the indicators laid out in the MAXA Learning Agreement • Demonstrate tangible progress against PDP top two competency development areas • Demonstrate continued high performance in current role • Demonstrate the application of all new skills and knowledge as measured by feedback from the MAXA delegate, their manager/ MD and mentor, MAXA programme manager and tutors.
Can I be promoted without attending the MAXA
I cannot give the programme the commitment it requires?
programme?
MAXA requires a high level of personal commitment and
The majority of eligible managers will not attend the programme
programme, should you feel that you can no longer give the
and can still gain promotion and have a long and successful career within Biogen Idec. The MAXA programme will, however, give you unique development opportunities and allow you the
What happens to existing MAXA delegates? All existing MAXA delegates will receive a communication pack during Oct. detailing how the changes to MAXA will affect them. Biogen Idec is committed to the ongoing development of all the existing delegates. MAXA delegates are amongst the top performers in the International business and as such we are keen to ensure that they have access to the most suitable development options. For some that will be the MAXA
aspirations.
possibility to maximise your potential.
a significant investment in terms of time. Whilst on the programme that commitment, you should initially discuss this with your mentor/manager. Should you decide to leave the programme, more suitable development options will be offered to you. You can of course reapply to MAXA when your circumstances change and you are able to give the programme the necessary level of commitment again.
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of leadership development activities, which can be accessed
Participation on the full two-year MAXA programme is subject to
Do I have to stay on the programme if my circumstances change/ What is the time commitment associated with MAXA?
What alternatives are there to MAXA?
• Demonstrate full commitment to the programme as
and will depend not only on your performance in your current Do I have to be mobile to be considered for MAXA?
? ? ?
What happens if I am not based in Europe and find it
programme whereas for others, different solutions may be more appropriate.
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HR
MAXA Programme
At a crossroads? At this point, you might be having second
Luckily, MAXA is only one of several leadership
thoughts about MAXA, as it is an intense
programmes offered by Biogen Idec, some of
programme that requires a lot of time and
which may be suitable for you. Now would be a
energy. This may not be what you are looking
good time to consider your options.
for right now.
“Maxa changed my point of view” Johanna Friedl-Naderer National Sales Manager Biogen Idec Austria I have actually got much more than I expected from Maxa; it has increased both the quality and efficiency of my daily work. I have improved my relationships with my team, which has led to more commitment and enthusiasm for our work and our goals. The Interpersonal Savvy module in particular has had an impact on all kinds of relationships – customers, colleagues, my boss, my teenage daughter, husband and friends. MAXA is suitable for ambitious, top performers who are interested in structured and guided development and are willing to grow, learn and most importantly go the extra mile(s!) to get the most out of the programme.
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Director’s Development Programm e (DDP) – This programme differs from MA XA in focusing on improved performance in your current job. There will be some con tent to build capability for managing and lead ing both existing and larger departments and teams. The programme spans several years and contains mandatory development eve nts and some self-events events. Whilst you can expect support from your manager and loca l HR Team, the DDP will not give you the interna tional project work, international exposure, and VP support that MAXA participants will be given. Entry to the DDP will be by selectio n following a written application. Those with a strong performance history, and proven rec ord of development, at Grade 10 and abo ve are candidates for the DDP. Of course, you can always try out the Director Develop ment Programme and then apply for the MAXA at a later date.
e Manager Development Programm DDP (MDP) – The MDP is similar to the n for ctio sele by ry ent described above, with d goo a with those at Grade 8 and above in rest inte performance record and a proven ar ti-ye a mul self-development. The MDP offers reviews, package of events, regular progress ment elop Dev r and graduation. The Manage er high Programme will focus on enabling some performance in your current job and s. capability buildingfor more senior role
Tailored Development Solutions Of course you may prefer a more tailored and less formalised development approach. Biogen Idec has some great development tools such as the Development Architect and Framework that can help you to develop your competence both in your current role and prepare you for future roles. Your HR Team will be able to explain these options to you in more detail.
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Are you ready for MAXA?
How do I apply for MAXA?
Step 1 – Self-Assessment In this pocket, you will find a number of documents including a self-assessment form. Read through this carefully and fill it in.
Step 2 – Discuss with your manager Once you have completed the form, you should
Now you have worked through this booklet, you should know whether or not to apply for the MAXA programme. It is competitive but those who make it through the application and programme will reap the benefits. It’s
21
time to apply
discuss your application with your manager and MD/Functional Manager. If agreed, it can then be sent in.
Step 3 – Invitation to MAXA assessment centre When we receive your form, potential participants will be invited to a MAXA assessment centre or given feedback on why their application has been unsuccessful.
Copyright Š 1992, 1996, 2001-2003 by Robert W. Eichinger and Michael M. Lombardo. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This work is derived from Aspects, a component of the LEADERSHIP ARCHITECTŽ Library developed and copyrighted by Robert W. Eichinger and Michael M. Lombardo for Lominger Limited, Inc. Without the prior written permission of Lominger Limited, Inc., no part of this work may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, by or to any party outside of Licensee.