This course includes
- 18 hours of project-based training from experts
- Answers from real instructors
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
- Credits: 0.6 CEUs
This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Leadership Essentials.
Unlock your ability to lead effectively with this in-depth course. Learn the difference between leading and managing, explore proven techniques to communicate effectively, think strategically, and move from a reactive environment to a proactive one.
Boost your skills — earn a certificate and go further.
Tuition
Full Tuition
Full tuition: $1,299Due before the class starts
This course includes
- 18 hours of project-based training from experts
- Answers from real instructors
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
- Credits: 0.6 CEUs
Learning Experience Highlights
Training from government‑experienced instructors
Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DoD
Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.
The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

Real-world solutions
Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.
125+ departments & agencies served
Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.
100% Online. Start Anytime
- 24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
- Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
- Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
- Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.
Expert Instructors
Our instructors are industry experts and experienced educators, driven to help you succeed.

Alan Zucker
Instructor

Amy Sareeram
Instructor

Cindy Morgan-Jaffe
Instructor

Dr. Le'Angela Ingram
Instructor

Michele Proctor
Instructor

Natalya H. Bah
Instructor

Heather Murphy Capps
Curriculum Program Manager

Doris McMillon
Instructor

Bascom Destrehan “Dit” Talley
Instructor

Marshall Scantlin
Instructor
Earn a Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!
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Leadership Essentials Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum
What You'll Learn at a Glance
- Apply principles and styles of leadership.
- Practice risk and conflict management.
- Empower and delegate to others.
- Effectively set goals.
Course Syllabus
Module 1
What Is A Leader?
Module 2
Leading One’s Followers
Module 3
The Leader’s Environment
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
Appendix B: Recommended Readings
Appendix C: Leadership Action Plan
Appendix D: Knowledge Check Solutions
Appendix E: Executive Order—Streamlining Service Delivery
and Improving Customer Service
Appendix F: Website References
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Leadership Group Training
Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.
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