The program provides two main benefits:

• Participants acquire the skills they need to work well in a team environment; and
• Organizations acquire team-oriented, self-directed staff members.

WEEK 1: Orientation and Skill Building
This session focuses on:

Individual Development Needs
Self-Direction
Team Building
Foundations of Leadership
Customer Service
Professional development and Workplace Etiquette
Interpersonal Skills

You are assigned to Leadership Development Teams and begin working on team presentations. In addition, program requirements, policies, expectations and opportunities are outlined.

WEEK 2: Teams at Work
This session takes place approximately three weeks after the initial session and concentrates on:

Team Performance
Conflict Management
Problem Solving
Interpersonal Skills
Diversity and Cultural Awareness in the Workplace
Flexibility
Presentation Skills

Teams continue working on presentations.

WEEK 3: Team Presentations, Closeout and Graduation
In this session, emphasis is placed on:

Oral Communication
Public Service Motivation
Managing Transitions
Transferring Skills to the Workplace
Career Strategies

Teams deliver presentations. Participants, supervisors, managers, program coordinators, team advisors and mentors attend a graduation ceremony and luncheon.

Other Program Components

Assessment
In order to help customize the program to fit individual needs, you complete the DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness) leadership assessment.
Action Plan
You will create an Action Plan for developmental assignments and independent study activities. This plan acts as the blueprint for your developmental program. You are also required to prepare a plan for continuous development once you have completed the program. The Aspiring Leader Program director will counsel you on plan design. You must coordinate plan preparation with your first-line supervisor and agency program coordinator to ensure appropriate support.
Management Reading
In order to broaden knowledge of the management field and strengthen analytical skills, you will read and write a review of two books on management issues.
Management Interviews
You must interview a minimum of two federal managers at the GS 11-13 levels. These interviews will provide an additional opportunity for you to have visibility at the management level and gain critical information for long-term career planning and development.
Shadowing Assignments
In addition to the three one-week sessions, the program includes a one-week "shadowing" assignment of a federal manager at the GS 11-13 levels. You will observe a manager outside of your current office in action, focusing on his/her management style and interaction with employees.
Learning Team Activities
You are assigned to learning teams during the orientation session. Each team will explore a program-related issue and make a one-hour team presentation of this issue during the final week of the program. This activity is designed to strengthen leadership and interpersonal skills, stimulate commitment to personal development, value and increase the understanding of diversity and provide a forum to explore current issues facing leaders in the federal workplace.

Nomination Procedure
A complete nomination package should be sent by mail or a logistics services company (e.g., FedEx, UPS) to:

Aspiring Leader Program
Center for Leadership and Management
Graduate School
600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Suite 330
Washington, DC 20024-2520
Phone: (202) 314-3580

The nomination package must be received by the nomination deadline and must include:

• A completed Aspiring Leader Program Application that includes information about the applicant, the applicant’s immediate supervisor, and the program coordinator at the applicant’s organization; the program coordinator is the person who will maintain records of the applicant's developmental activities and serve as a liaison with the Graduate School on program matters;
• The application must also include a statement from the applicant indicating the applicant’s purpose for applying and how participation in the Aspiring Leader Program will support the applicant’s career goals;
• The applicant’s current resume, signed and dated by the applicant ;
• Payment method information; we must receive payment or payment information with the application to process the registration; we accept:
  • Credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VISA)
  • Government purchase cards
  • Organization purchase order; a completed and signed government training authorization form (e.g., SF182 ) can be submitted in lieu of a purchase order.
  • Electronic fund transfers (EFT)
  • Cash, Money Orders, Checks or Cashiers Checks

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 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.

Schedule and Costs
The Aspiring Leader Program dates are listed below. Please note that the tuition for these programs does not include meals. Travel, lodging, and meal costs are the responsibility of the participant and their sponsoring agency. The dates for the program are as follows:

Program Dates:

Withdrawals and Substitutions
Withdrawals are accepted at no cost if made 14 days before the program begins. If you cancel less than 14 days before the program begins, there is a $500 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
Aspiring Leader Program
Center for Leadership and Management
Graduate School
600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Suite 330
Washington, DC 20024-2520
Phone: (202) 314-3580
Fax: (202) 479-6813
E-mail: