With the recent focus on learning in the Firm Voice (see "B-MU Featured in 'The Firm Voice'" post below), we thought we'd ask Michael Glazer, Dean of Burson-Marsteller University (B-MU) to share a little more with us about how B-M is helping our colleagues' professional development. Here's what he had to say:

Burson-Marsteller has a long tradition of investing in the professional development of our colleagues. In fact, I have heard many colleagues say a key reason they joined B-M was because we have a strong reputation for developing talent. Burson-Marsteller University (B-MU) is our award-winning, global training program, and it plays an important role by providing ongoing learning experiences for all our colleagues. And as the landscape of public relations is shifting, so is the way we design and facilitate learning experiences at B-M.

B-MU is increasingly turning to the power of collaboration and social networking together with social media technologies to increase the impact of our learning initiatives. We are going beyond traditional course design to give our colleagues individualized learning. We focus on the social aspects of learning because we know our best people want access to brilliant colleagues who challenge and stimulate them. And we all want to feel like we are part of a larger, global network. We are finding new ways to use technology to help strengthen our sense of community, both around the office and around the world.

Our client leadership program, for example, blends eLearning and classroom learning to give participants the freedom to choose what they learn, when they learn and with whom they learn. The program heavily uses blogs, podcasts, videos and other "lightweight" content, much of it is user generated. We even have participants who watch or listen to content on their iPhones. We break down our learning into bite-sized chunks, or modules. Each module includes short, simple activities that are can to be completed in pairs or small groups. Our online Virtual Campus includes a homemade "facebook" to help connect participants with one another. Classroom sessions are still an important part of our training programs, but they are much more limited than before. Now, classroom time centers on discussion and dialogue rather than death by PowerPoint!

Programs like this one reflect our effort to create an environment where people have the freedom to pursue their interests and believe they are truly plugged in to the all B-M has to offer. We do this not only because it helps us develop the skills we need to meet our business goals, but also because it will help us motivate and retain our best "Burson Persons."