Program for Leadership Development

Visionary companies know that long-term success requires a pipeline of emerging executives who can help build and secure a competitive edge. The Program for Leadership Development equips up-and-coming managers with a broader understanding of the global marketplace and a more integrated view of the organization.

A fast-track alternative to the executive MBA, this highly personalized program features two on-campus and two distance-learning modules that focus on accelerating your leadership development. You will return to your organization more confident, more capable, and better equipped to take on new challenges.

Key Benefits

This leadership development program improves your decision-making and leadership skills by deepening your understanding of core business operations. With broader business knowledge, global perspectives, and leadership insights, you will be ready to identify problems, craft effective solutions, and adapt to global market shifts

• Lead cross-functional initiatives that generate growth
• Develop and lead high-performing global teams
• Become a more confident leader with a strong leadership philosophy and presence
• Drive innovation and change through a better grasp of the challenges involved
• Formulate a detailed action plan to address your strategic and leadership challenges
• Build enduring bonds with accomplished peers who span functions, industries, and countries
• Take the first step toward becoming a member of the global HBS alumni community

What You Will Learn

Focused on leadership, change, and innovation, the program curriculum is built around four modules—two on-campus and two distance-learning sessions. On campus, you will engage in faculty presentations, case studies, personal assessments, individual and group exercises, and special projects. Through a customized case and professional HBS executive coaching, you will develop a personal action plan for tapping new revenue sources and navigating global market shifts.

The distance-learning modules feature Harvard Business School Online—a powerful digital platform that captures the dynamism of the HBS classroom, connects you to a global network of peers, and provides exclusive access to a wealth of interactive learning tools.

After completing the four modules, you will be eligible to attend PLD Module 5—an optional two-week session on campus that further accelerates your development as a leader and enables you to earn HBS alumni status.

Module Details

Module 1: Foundational skill building

Format: Individual distance learning before you arrive on campus (12 weeks)

• Build shared knowledge and business terminology so you will arrive on campus ready to contribute
• Complete introductory courses in accounting, finance, and quantitative methods
• Prepare for the cases that you will discuss during Module 2
• Begin working on the phone with your professional HBS Executive Coach, who will help you identify the challenge on which you will build your customized case and personal action plan
• Set aside 10 to 12 hours per week to complete this work during the 12 weeks leading up to Module 2
• Evaluate your current leadership skills through The Leadership Learning Path Assessment tool

Module 2: Cross-functional business approach

Format: On the HBS campus (2 weeks)

• Develop an end-to-end view of business—and how all functions interrelate
• Gain a deeper understanding of strategy, marketing, operations, finance and accounting, leadership and corporate accountability, and more
• Recognize the relationships among functional strategy, business-unit strategy, and strategy implementation
• Explore how control systems help to execute strategy
• Understand the economic, political, and social forces that are shaping the global business environment

Module 3: Strategy formulation and implementation

Format: Distance learning while you apply new insights at work (14 weeks)

• Complete self-directed work at your own pace while engaging in scheduled exercises and group sessions
• Round out your understanding of strategy by completing Economics for Managers via Harvard Business School Online
• Continue working on your customized case and personal action plan
• Develop your living group's solution for the Alumni Challenge

Module 4: Leading change

Format: On the HBS campus (2 weeks)

• Identify what needs to change within your organization
• Expand your repertoire of change management processes and approaches
• Craft a leadership style that helps you unite a team around a clearly articulated vision—and drive essential change
• Foster innovation, receptiveness to change, and an entrepreneurial mindset
• Present an overview of your customized case and action plan to your coach and living group, gather their feedback, and refine and finalize your personal case
• Work with your living group to present your Alumni Challenge solution

Module 5: Personal leadership (Optional)

Format: On the HBS campus (2 weeks)

• Build a strong foundation in corporate finance
• Cultivate your ability to lead authentically and with integrity
• Make decisions that support your organization's financial needs, legal requirements, and ethical obligations
• Address the competing demands of all stakeholders
• Create advantage by generating more value for the business and society
• Become a more effective negotiator and decision-maker
• Develop your leadership vision and address a personal leadership challenge
• Attain HBS alumni status upon completing PLD Module 5