Foundations in Public Service Leadership Program

As innovation, collaboration and delivering results are more important than ever, mid-career professionals must develop these leadership attributes to ensure their teams can achieve their missions. A strong leadership foundation is critical to be able to assume greater responsibility for leading others, managing complex projects and working across boundaries. 

The Foundations in Public Service Leadership Program develops the skills you need to effectively influence others, lead teams and drive change within your agency. Aligned to the four core tenets of the Partnership’s Public Service Leadership Model—self-awareness, engaging others, leading change and achieving results—you will learn to enhance your own leadership style, improve your communication skills and understand how to successfully lead others to achieve outcomes and goals. By the end of the program, you will be able to more effectively influence others, manage and lead change, and make decisions that positively impact your team, agency and customers.

Apply by May 24

For instructions on how to be placed on our wait list, please contact Diana Starkes at [email protected] or call
(202) 292‑1014.

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Quick Details

DATES

June 2021 – December 2021

COST

$4,500

AUDIENCE

Leaders of teams, new supervisors, and technical experts who lead projects (typically GS-12s to GS-13s, but could include other GS levels).

Program Details PDF

Contact

For more information contact Diana Starkes at [email protected] or call
(202) 292‑1014.

How to Apply

Completed applications must include your personal information, professional experience and objectives, an up-to-date resume and your supervisor’s endorsement. Carefully consider your short-answer responses to ensure your government career objectives align with our high expectations of participants. 

You do not need to complete the application in one session. You may save your application and return to it later. 

Please note, many agencies have specific application guidelines for their employees. Before submitting your application, please make sure that you are following your agency’s internal guidelines and that you have permission from your agency’s leadership to participate in this program.

Program Structure

During virtual classroom sessions, experienced instructors facilitate engaging conversations, activities and workshops on key course concepts. Guest speakers with extensive federal government and private sector expertise provide real-world perspectives on overcoming public sector leadership challenges.  

Our classroom lessons are reinforced through multiple activities, including: 

  • Executive coaching: You will be paired with an executive coach for three one-hour sessions. This is an opportunity to discuss your individual development based on results from your personal 360 leadership assessment and address your current workplace challenges.   
  • Peer workshops: You will workshop ideas and share best practices through in-class group coaching scenarios and group break-out group discussions.  
  • Session pre-work: Prior to each session, you will be required to read articles and watch videos related to the upcoming session. 

The classroom sessions, combined with pre-work between sessions and one-on-one coaching, total 40 hours of coursework. You are expected to prepare for and attend every session. Prior to applying to the program, please review the program schedule and confirm your availability for the nine half-day virtual sessions. In addition to the nine half-day sessions, you must attend a mandatory orientation and kick-off session on June 14 from 1-2 p.m. EDT. All other sessions will take place from 1-5 p.m. EDT. 

Topic 1: Becoming Self-Aware  

Session 1: June 21, 2021

Understanding Yourself 
  • Lead others with a greater knowledge of self 
  • Define your core principles as a leader 
  • Recommit to leading in the public sector 

Session 2: July 12, 2021

Recognizing Your Impact 
  • Identify how your decisions, emotions and communications impact your team 
  • Change behaviors that negatively impact your teams

Topic 2: Engaging Others 

Session 3: August 2, 2021

 Engaging Employees
  • Build trust with your team members 
  • Recognize accomplishments to improve morale  
  • Support the growth and development of employees 

Session 4: August 23, 2021

Cultivating Your Team Culture
  • Resolve interpersonal conflicts that arise within your team 
  • Create an inclusive environment where all your team members are respected and supported 

Topic 3: Leading Change 

Session 5: September 13, 2021

Responding to Change
  • Align your programs and projects to help achieve your agency’s shifting priorities 
  • Respond proactively to change that impacts your team 
  • Adapt your approach to better influence others 

Session 6: October 4, 2021

Creating the Change
  • Foster an innovative culture for your team 
  • Embrace thoughtful risk-taking to pursue meaningful change 

Topic 4: Achieving Results 

Session 7: October 25, 2021

Making Decisions
  • Hold yourself and your team accountable for achieving outcomes and expectations 
  • Use data to inform your team’s direction 
  • Support your employees’ use of technology to accomplish team goals 

Session 8: November 15, 2021

Navigating the System
  • Secure buy-in from stakeholders 
  • Address challenges that impact your team’s success 
  • Understand and respond to your customers’ needs 

Synthesis and Reflection

Session 9: December 6, 2021

Synthesis and Reflection
  • Develop strategies for applying lessons learned 
  • Reemphasize your commitment to public service and stewardship of public trust

Staff

Members from the Partnership staff will work with you throughout the program to ensure that your experience goes smoothly.