Training and Development

Disney University offers a series of leadership development courses for all levels of leadership at Disney, from first-time managers to executives. The curriculum not only promotes a consistent set of leadership practices across the company, but also provides leaders the support they need to progress in their careers and build their capabilities. Internal executives identified as role models "give back" by getting involved in leadership development as teachers, mentors and coaches.

Development is available for everyone, not just those who lead others. An individual contributor, for instance, is viewed as a leader of his or her own work. Disney employees have access to instructor-led and online opportunities to develop personally and professionally. Topics include communication, critical and creative thinking, project management, time management, technical and artistic skills development, cultural awareness, diversity, ethics, safety, career development and wellness.

To support all this learning, we've invested in a global learning and development technology-enabled platform, Disney Development Connection, which provides access to learning and communication via online courses and virtual classrooms. Learning is accessible 24/7 in multiple languages to learners all over the world without requiring travel.

Based on the opportunities that employees and their leaders identify, employees can build individualized learning plans that can pull from resources including more than 10,000 online and print reference materials, targeted instructor-led classes, performance support systems, guest speakers, mentors, coaches and more.

Signature Training Programs

To provide a full appreciation for Disney's extraordinary heritage and unique culture, a number of programs offer employees and Cast Members in-depth background on our history and organization, as well as our many businesses. Disney and You, Disney Way One and Disney Dimensions include visits to different company sites and opportunities to build relationships across the company, along with the inside scoop on current priorities of the different businesses. Most important, these experiences give employees a deep understanding of the strength of our brand, insight into such Disney values as teamwork and quality and a firsthand look at the Disney "magic." In 2008, Disney employees spent approximately 320,000 hours in these types of trainings.

Career Planning and Development

To foster career growth, employees and Cast Members at all levels participate in a global performance management program that is structured to provide them with ongoing feedback from their leadership. In addition, an internal process that posts information about current open positions companywide takes Cast Members and employees through every step of the process - from searching for a job posting to submitting a resume online. Many segments provide workshops and online classes in resume writing, interviewing skills and career planning to assist employees in reaching their career goals.

Disney executives also engage in a talent planning process that helps employees develop themselves for potential future placement within our many and diverse businesses. This formal planning process is conducted throughout the company. These ongoing talent conversations with senior leaders provide employees with an opportunity to be considered for task force assignments as well as regular positions across the company, both domestically and internationally.

Business Standards and Ethics Training

Business Standards and Ethics training is provided by the company through its Disney Development Connection, which provides education and training to domestic and international employees through Web-based tutorials. Training focuses on the company's Standards of Business Conduct and related areas. It is the company's intent that all of its employees and Cast Members have the knowledge and training to act ethically and legally, in compliance with the company's standards.