Leadership: Increase self-awareness, resiliency, and work-life balance
Policy Development: Create and implement effective policies
Political Strategy: Mobilize support and build coalitions
Strategic Planning: Develop strategies for enhancing organizational performance
Negotiation: Achieve win-win outcomes and resolving conflicts.
People Management: Create a comprehensive people strategy
*Program formerly known as Senior Managers in Government
The Executive Leaders in Government program at Harvard Kennedy School provides a unique opportunity for senior executives to strengthen their leadership skills and expand their competencies. This comprehensive two-week on campus program, led by renowned faculty, focuses on the critical skills needed to navigate the complex challenges of leading in the public sector. The curriculum is specifically designed to address the needs of the U.S. Senior Executive Service (SES) in the federal government and their military, corporate sector, and international counterparts.
Faculty Chair Linda Bilmes will be joined by Harvard faculty and expert practitioners in government, law, education, and business for a robust program to refresh and expand the core executive leadership skills needed to address today’s complex challenges. The program uses a myriad of faculty-led sessions, case studies, simulations, field trips, and peer-led discussions to address topics such as:
Program Curriculum
Over two intensive weeks on campus, the Executive Leaders in Government program immerses participants in a dynamic blend of cutting-edge research, lectures, and collaborative group work. The curriculum includes case studies, experiential learning, and networking opportunities to build capacity to lead effectively in the public sector. The program’s innovative and responsive design addresses contemporary challenges, emerging technologies, and cutting-edge research. The curriculum reinforces core foundational concepts and skills, as well as exploring new ideas to propel us into the next generation. The program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing expertise not only from Harvard Kennedy School but also from across Harvard's global network.
This curriculum makes extensive use of the case study method pioneered at Harvard. Each case describes an actual situation in public management that participants use to think through possible approaches and solutions to real-world problems. You'll reflect upon your professional experiences and meet daily in small groups and in class to discuss cases and exchange ideas.
Additional components of Executive Leaders in Government include networking opportunities, peer-to-peer learning, and experiential group outings, all of which build lasting relationships with your peers from around the world.
