Managing the performance of diverse personnel is one of the most important responsibilities of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). But, according to the WHO (2010), too often their supervisors and staff alike find this aspect of their job beyond their current knowledge and skill set. Furthermore, evaluations of previous WHO personnel training in the area of performance management and development systems (PMDS) indicate a need to broaden the curriculum to include a more collaborative approach to performance management and development that is sensitive to cultural complexity while emphasizing elements such as communication skills, giving-and-receiving feedback, building trust, and negotiating professional development plans that meet the needs of individual personnel as well as the organization as a whole. To explore innovative ways to address these needs, WHO has identified preferred provider teams and invited them to submit proposals that include the design, delivery, and evaluation of PMDS innovations.
? In response to this invitation the current project proposes to address the concerns already identified by WHO by designing and implementing an innovative approach that revolves around skill-building in collaborative interpersonal competencies that are consistent with the core proficiencies of the WHO?s PMDS. This collaborative approach to PMDS will incorporate collaborative interpersonal skills and strategies that will better align staff development and learning with WHO?s strategic priorities and objectives. The current project will accomplish this objective through a combination of needs assessment, intervention, and evaluation.