The Leadership Effectiveness Inventory (LEI) is a systematic assessment tool designed to measure competency and determine developmental needs for organizations and individuals in public service. The LEI assesses individual proficiency levels in over 100 specific leadership tasks and activities against the 28 competencies that comprise the Leadership Effectiveness Framework. The participant, his/her supervisor and five peers complete the LEI to eliminate perceptual biases inherent in most assessment tools. The participant is then able to develop an effective leadership development plan based on objective data. Executive Core Qualifications
Action Learning Teams/Projects During orientation, participants are assigned to an Action Learning Team. Each team will obtain sponsorship from a senior level manager and act as consultants, developing solutions to an existing organizational issue. Upon project completion each team gives a report and presentation to the Graduate School and the sponsor. Action Learning Projects strengthen leadership and interpersonal skills, and encourage participants to become more self-directed, action-oriented and visionary. They also provide a forum for exploring issues facing federal leaders and for practicing leadership techniques. Residential Sessions Participants attend four intensive one-week residential sessions. The orientation session focuses on individual developmental needs, team building, leadership skills, experiential learning, project identification and project planning. Program requirements, policies, expectations and opportunities are also outlined. The remaining three residential sessions will concentrate on the following ECQs:
Developmental Assignments Participants must complete two 60-day developmental assignments away from their current position. During these assignments, participants learn to adapt and successfully lead in a new position and culture by utilizing the techniques and methods presented at residential sessions. In addition, each participant must conduct five senior executive interviews and complete a three-day assignment shadowing a high-level official. These assignments provide exposure and visibility at the highest levels of agency leadership as well as critical knowledge for long-term career planning. Benchmarking The Executive Potential Program uses benchmarking processes to identify outstanding leadership practices in public service, business, industry and academia. Participants will have an opportunity to visit federal, state and local governments, major corporations, universities and nonprofit organizations and dialogue with "best practice" leaders. Through benchmarking, Executive Potential Program participants become skilled at using dialogue to gain insight beyond their individual understanding, an essential skill for leaders responsible for strategic planning. Program Time Requirements Participants are expected to be away from current positions for a minimum of six months over the course of the program. Participants may schedule developmental activities to minimize disruptions of their normal workflow. Nomination Procedure A complete nomination package should be sent by mail or a logistics services company (e.g., FedEx, UPS) to: Executive Potential Program The nomination package must be received by the nomination deadline and must include:
Individuals should be nominated based on both their leadership/management potential and their motivation to fully participate in and complete all program requirements. The nomination deadline and other program dates are listed below. Program applicants are advised that their organization may have different deadline dates and requirements. It is important to check with the organization's program coordinator for information regarding deadline dates and requirements. The Graduate School, USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. We make every practical effort to ensure that our programs are accessible to physically challenged participants and participants with special needs. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact our Customer Support Center or our Center for Leadership and Management. Program Dates:
Withdrawal and Substitution Policy Withdrawals are accepted at no cost if made more than 14 days before the program begins. If you cancel less than 14 days before the program begins, there is a $1,000 processing fee if no substitution is made. There will be no refund for withdrawal after the orientation session. Substitutions may be made anytime until the session begins. Contact Information
Center for Leadership and Management Graduate School, USDA 600 Maryland Ave, SW, Suite 330 Washington, DC 20024-2520 Rick Henry: 202 314-3591 rick_henry@grad.usda.gov Kimberly Robinson: 202 314-3581 kimberly_robinson@grad.usda.gov |