An organization’s long term success is strongly correlated with its ability to build
effective and dynamic leaders. Many senior executives acknowledge that there is a lack
of formal processes for developing new and current leaders who possess the appropriate
skills, aptitudes, and perspectives needed to assume positions of leadership (Cadrain,
2005; Collins & Holton, 2004; Taylor, 2004). Organizations must be able to provide an
environment in which future and current leaders learn how to effectively lead and carry
out the missions of their companies. This study uses a descriptive quantitative case study
method to explore what skills, behaviors, and practices are critical for a specific global
pharmaceutical company to develop an effective sales leadership development program.