MULTIPLE MANAGEMENT BOARDS
Every employee can make a difference
For many decades the cultural backbone of McCormick has been the philosophy of Multiple Management. In 1932, when then-President C.P. McCormick developed the philosophy, his concept was revolutionary and later became the basis for the “open door” style of leadership that many companies favor today. He sought to supplement senior management with new ideas and develop the next group of leaders.
The Multiple Management Board System provides a learning ground for employees to grow professionally. Small groups of employees work in a team structure to develop solutions for real business issues facing the Company. As the MM Boards are cross functional and cross divisional, members gain exposure to and understanding of parts of the business they would normally not encounter. Through the structure of the MM Boards, members build awareness, learn project management skills and develop leadership abilities. They grow professionally. The end result of their project work helps strengthen the functioning and effectiveness of McCormick operations.
Recognition of the MMB’s value has come from numerous outside sources. It has been mentioned prominently when the Company has been honored as a “Best Place to Work.” Other companies have approached us to learn how they can implement the system for their businesses. The Corporate Leadership Council called the MMB system “a high impact individual skill-building opportunity.” Many of the current and future leaders of McCormick are graduates of this legendary learning program. Multiple Management has continued to bring growth and new solutions to the Company and will remain at the heart of our culture.
The system works because the people-focused philosophy behind it endures.