Executive Education

Program for Leadership Development

Accelerating the Careers of High-Potential Leaders

Successful businesses know that investing in the next generation of leaders is critical to sustaining competitive advantage and achieving corporate growth over the long term. The Program for Leadership Development equips functional managers with the advanced decision-making and execution skills they need to excel as multifaceted leaders. You will emerge well equipped to take on greater cross-functional responsibilities—and ultimately drive performance throughout your organization.

What You Can Expect

Designed for individuals who will assume the cross-functional responsibilities of company leadership, PLD presents an integrated view of the fundamentals of management. Leveraging advanced strategies and techniques, you will learn how to excel in decision making and execution.

Who Is Right for the Program

Created for managers and functional specialists with approximately 10 years of work experience, PLD serves individuals with excellent prospects for leadership within their organizations. You and your peers will represent diverse business functions, companies, industries, and countries.

Investment in the Future

By helping participants develop a broader vision for company success, PLD helps organizations groom the next generation of high potential leaders. Young executives reap extraordinary personal and professional growth, while organizations benefit from sustained corporate advantage.

Your Course of Study

With both on- and off-campus modules, this Executive Education program offers an integrated set of individual and classroom components. This in-depth leadership training program is well suited to the needs and time demands of this important group of managers.

Comprehensive Leadership Programs Summary

Compare the key features of Harvard Business School's three comprehensive leadership programs—the Advanced Management Program, the General Management Program, and the Program for Leadership Development.

A limited amount of partial scholarship funding may be available for qualified applicants from not-for-profit organizations. To be considered, you must complete and submit your application and include a request for funding. FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact, Ms. Carla Tishler, Portfolio Director, at +1-617-496-3876.

What You Can Expect

Recognizing that today's uncertain business climate calls for visionary leaders, the Program for Leadership Development presents an integrated view of the fundamentals of management. By gaining a deeper understanding of core business functions, you will acquire a broader leadership vision. At the macroeconomic level, timely topics include the links between developed economies and emerging markets, and how changing global markets have impacted your own industry. The result is a personal and professional transformation that not only supports your company's succession planning, but also strengthens its competitive position in challenging times.

You will have the rare opportunity to:

• Acquire an in-depth understanding of core business functions and build foundational skills to integrate these functions across the organization
• Examine new techniques and technologies for driving results throughout the company in any market cycle
• Formulate a holistic approach to identifying problems, formulating solutions, and adapting to change
• Build strategic skills for effective decision making and implementation
• Expand your capacity to lead cross-functional initiatives and corporate projects amid challenging global markets
• Develop a personal leadership philosophy that reflects greater knowledge, capabilities, and insight

"PLD was life-and career-changing. It improved my knowledge, confidence, and skill in business finance, added to my knowledge of global economics, and gave me tools to develop and execute strategy across business functions. But more than that, it gave me very clear direction for improving my leadership skills. I know what I need to do. I have cases to turn to for help. I have networks to refer to. I have more clarity on my leadership and its value to the business. This program is designed to help you be the best general manager you can be."
Wendy Rayner [Head of Marketing], NZ Lotteries, New Zealand

Your Course of Study

The PLD curriculum is built around four educational modules: a foundational skill-building module that you complete before arriving on campus; a two-week on-campus module that builds a cross-functional business approach; a business simulation module that allows you to formulate and implement strategies while working at your home company; and a final two-week on-campus module that offers a big-picture perspective on business and builds leadership skills.

Module 1: Foundational Skill Building

Format: Off-Campus Learning
Duration: Ten Weeks

Distance-Learning Courses – Given their different educational and professional concentrations, participants tend to have varying degrees of experience and proficiency in fundamental areas such as accounting, finance, and quantitative methods. To establish a common level of understanding and to ensure that you maximize your learning experience and keep up with this fast-paced program, you need to work individually to finish the required coursework—including proficiency exams—in these areas before arriving on campus for Module 2. Satisfactory completion of each module is required in order to advance to the next module of the program.

Module 2: Cross-Functional Business Approach

Format: On-Campus Learning at HBS
Duration: Two Weeks

Through an in-depth, cross-functional examination, you will develop capabilities in key business functions as you gain valuable insights into the latest management techniques and technologies. In the areas of strategy, marketing, and operations, the focus is less on growth and more on operations. You will explore new ways to manage in down cycles as your company faces increasing budget reductions, shrinking markets, intensifying competition, more price-sensitive customers, and fewer resources.

The overarching framework for integrating critical business functions includes:

Strategy – Product management; marketing strategy; market segmentation; product positioning; pricing; market analysis and planning; branding; customer acquisition and retention; and employee, shareholder, and customer satisfaction for profit and growth.

Marketing – Product management; marketing strategy; market segmentation; product positioning; pricing; market analysis and planning; branding; customer acquisition and retention; and employee, shareholder, and customer satisfaction for profit and growth.

Finance and Accounting – Financial accounting; financial statements; accounting choices and financial reporting policies; financial analysis; budgeting; forecasting; control systems; and profitability analysis.

Operations – Internal processes; technology and operations strategies; product and market capabilities; operations improvements; coordination/supply chain management; new product/process creation and analysis; and human resource capacities.

Module 3: Strategy Formulation and Implementation

Format: Off-Campus Learning
Duration: Fourteen Weeks

You will complete strategy projects and engage in synchronous and asynchronous online exercises, group work, and individual study. On average, you should expect to commit three to six hours per week to these program assignments and activities. Satisfactory completion of each module is required in order to advance to the next module of the program. Components include:

Strategy Project – You will formulate a detailed strategy statement and implementation plan for your organizational unit. Drawing from the foundational skills and cross-functional business knowledge you acquired in the previous modules, you will make organizational decisions and apply management techniques and technologies that will drive your desired results.

Business Simulation Exercise – Assigned to management teams in companies competing in the same industry, you and your peers will each assume the role of a senior executive in charge of a primary business function. Working together through a dedicated portal, virtual meeting rooms, and teleconferencing, you will analyze the competitive landscape, and then formulate and implement the strategies for your respective companies. As you strive to achieve competitive advantage over the companies run by your peers, senior teams will make decisions about raising capital, entering or exiting product categories, manufacturing and distribution, and marketing and sales strategy. Through online debriefings with program faculty during the simulation exercise, these teams will evaluate company performance, assess teamwork effectiveness, and reinforce the results-oriented learning.

Introduction to Change Management – You will complete online learning sessions, which include video case studies, multimedia faculty presentations, and hands-on exercises. Through these tools, you are introduced to the elements of leading change—interfunctional relationships; internal communication networks; incremental and discontinuous organizational change; organizational ambidexterity; and strategic experimentation and learning. Additionally, you will be presented with a framework for implementing the results of the company-specific strategy exercise completed earlier.

Customized Leadership Learning Path Assessment – Together with your company sponsor, you will complete an assessment of individual leadership and management competencies. The assessment results are evaluated at HBS, with particular focus on strengthening individual leadership capacity. A prioritized list of areas to be addressed during the program then is developed for every manager. The assessment results are the basis for personal coaching in Module 4, as well as for a curriculum of leadership resources and tools.

Module 4: Actionable Leadership

Format: On-Campus Learning at HBS
Duration: Two Weeks

Through an integrated organizational perspective, you and your peers will analyze the individual leadership challenges you face in making decisions and your roles in driving real results throughout the company. More time is spent analyzing the stresses surrounding job security, as well as the uncertainty among direct reports and colleagues. Working with personal coaches, you will build confidence and individual capabilities that will enhance your leadership effectiveness in the workplace. The primary focus is on:

Risk Management – Importance of being entrepreneurial; challenges of balancing risk and innovation and of embedding a risk management discipline into management processes; the role of the chief risk officer; and strategies for exploiting global opportunities.

Balanced Scorecard and Strategy Map – Performance measurement and evaluation; development of a strategy map and an associated Balanced Scorecard (BSC) of metrics to communicate and implement the “Objectives–Advantage–Scope” (OAS) strategy developed in Module 3. You will present your strategy map and BSC in an interactive exercise with your living group.

Effective Decision Making and Execution – Personal leadership; teamwork; group effectiveness; compensation and incentives; leadership development; management versus leadership; and conflict leadership.

Personal Coaching – The coaching program is designed to help you transfer the learning and knowledge acquired from the course modules to your specific professional situation. During Modules 2 and 4, a personal coach is assigned to work with each participant. Through a combination of team-based action learning sessions and one-on-one coaching meetings, you will gain greater insight into your personal leadership style and approach. The coaching component also provides a forum for participants to process personal feedback, seek advice on management and leadership skills, and develop an action plan for continued personal and professional development.

Participants also learn what is required of them in other vital areas of management:

Innovation Challenges – Common language for company-wide collaboration; experimentation and learning; opportunity identification; balance between core businesses and innovations; and new-growth businesses.

Change Management – Performance and opportunity gaps; organizational alignment and design skills; organizational culture; and links between innovation and organizational evolution.

Globalization – International expansion; global strategic postures; cross-border competitiveness and local responsiveness; management roles and relationships in transnational companies; and country economic priorities and development strategies.

"In this intellectually stimulating program, I acquired concepts and practical tools I can use to expand my contribution to the company. But more than that, I gained a deeper understanding of myself as well as the confidence to be the best leader I can be."
Tracey Paterson [General Manager, HR], Ravensdown, New Zealand

Who Is Right for the Program

The Program for Leadership Development is designed specifically for managers and functional specialists who have approximately 10 years of work experience and are considered to be outstanding prospects for leadership within their organizations. The goal is to assemble a group of participants that represents diverse business functions, companies, industries, and countries.

Appropriate titles include, but are not limited to:

• Vice president
• Director
• Project manager
• Functional manager

Past Participants Represented:

Participating Companies Have Included:

"The Program for Leadership Development is the best educational and professional course that I have experienced to date. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from distinguished HBS professors—and provides the cross-functional knowledge, personal development, and leadership skills that both emerging and high-potential leaders need to take their next career step. That's why I'm looking forward to returning to HBS for follow-on programs."
Cindy Park [Vice President, Marketing], Prometheus Real Estate Company, U.S.

Meet the Program Faculty

PLD is developed and taught by a core faculty of Harvard Business School professors who are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. HBS faculty leverage their business expertise and field-based research to create new knowledge and enduring concepts that shape the practice of management. The result is a teaching team that exposes participants to multiple perspectives, challenging their thinking on many levels.

Core Faculty

"With a background in political science and government, I found myself starting a new commercial venture. PLD provided a wonderful way to polish and expand my knowledge in a range of topics, receive leadership coaching, and grow my business connections. The program transformed the way I relate to my employees. I realized I had not communicated enough with my team or translated strategy effectively. Since the program ended, I've begun clarifying roles and responsibilities and working to make sure we are all on the same page. With this new management style, I've seen positive change in how employees, partners, and clients respond to me."
Lina Xu [Executive Director], Universal World Trade Investment Consulting, People's Republic of China

In-Depth Learning Experience

Why PLD? – Instead of delivering an all-purpose executive MBA program, Harvard Business School delivers an accelerated learning experience that transforms high-potential managers into powerful leaders—the Program for Leadership Development (PLD). Unlike an eMBA, PLD is tailored to your unique needs and leadership challenges. One-on-one coaching, living groups, personal strategy projects, practical application, and a faculty composed of full-time HBS professors are hallmarks of this intensive program.

Time to Learn – The length and intensity of the Program for Leadership Development enable you to step back from your career, reassess your role within the company, and develop a broader, updated perspective on the relationship between management and the organization. While on the HBS campus, you will remain completely immersed in the learning experience and fully engaged 14 hours a day. During the distance-learning modules, you are expected to spend an average of three to six hours each week on course preparation and other program assignments.

Environment – The program is structured purposefully in two on-campus residential modules and two home-based modules. Active involvement in all classroom sessions, home-based assignments, case discussions, exercises, and other program activities is expected. For the modules held at HBS, classes are held six days a week, residency on campus is required, and you must remain free of outside responsibilities. Since you will be devoting time and intellect to this leadership training experience, it is strongly recommended that your family members not accompany you to Boston.

Sound Investment – Designed to groom outstanding leadership prospects, PLD is ideal for managers and functional specialists with approximately 10 years of work experience. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the organization's varied functions and how they interrelate to impact its bottom line.

Sponsoring Leadership Growth – For a specialty metals firm, PLD molds a promising engineering manager into a capable, confident leader.

How Will Organizations Benefit? – PLD is a significant investment for both you and your organization. By helping high-potential leaders develop a broad, integrated perspective on general management, PLD supports organizations in their pursuit of sustained competitive advantage. Going far beyond basic skills and theories, PLD provides a comprehensive understanding of how organizations function. You will come away with actionable lessons that can be effectively implemented within your organization.

"Entering PLD with more than ten years of marketing and sales experience enabled me to recognize past trends that help shape future strategies and decisions. Working in the technology industry during the boom and bust periods exposed me to business challenges at all levels of the organization. As a result of attending PLD, I am better able to recognize the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of business, and more important, I can better identify my knowledge gaps and determine how to fill them."
Michelle Miller-Edwards [Marketing Manager], CISCO, U.S.

"Those who come to PLD as leaders will leave as better ones. Those who come thinking they may not have what it takes to be a leader will leave believing in themselves."
Tibor Nemes [Head of Operations], Novartis Vaccines, Germany

The Learning Model

Philosophy – Every HBS Executive Education leadership development experience is shaped by the School's cross-functional approach to general management, innovative teaching methodologies, and residential learning environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration. Participants are exposed to an in-depth education that goes beyond frameworks and theories—and prepares them to exercise their enhanced leadership skills to build sustainable competitive advantage for their companies.

Case Method – Pioneered by HBS, the case method is one of the most effective tools for teaching general management and leadership—especially to practicing managers. Case studies offer multiple levels of learning, compelling participants to identify relevant issues and to apply practical business lessons to their own situations and companies. Cases provide an opportunity to study real general managers—in action—and to imbed frameworks and theories in the context of practice. At Harvard Business School, Executive Education participants benefit from an added dimension that no other school can offer: the opportunity to be taught by many of the faculty who wrote the cases, who know the case protagonists, and who have personal knowledge of the problems encountered, alternatives considered, and solutions presented.

Interaction – Every facet of an HBS Executive Education program—from participant selection…to amphitheater classroom seating…to learning group design…to social activities—is carefully crafted to promote dynamic interchange and shared learning among accomplished peers from diverse companies, industries, and countries. To reinforce the School's extraordinary sense of community, Executive Education participants live on campus in suites of single, private rooms arranged around a common area, providing ready access to colleagues and fostering peer-to-peer engagement. The intellectual stimulation of learning in the company of peers is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program experience, and most participants establish a network of friendships and business contacts that lasts a lifetime.

The Learning Commitment – Residency on campus is required, and classes are held six days a week. Active involvement in all classroom sessions, case discussions, and other program activities is expected. Participants devote considerable time and intellect to the learning experience, putting in long days and nights. Therefore, they must be free of outside responsibilities during their stay at HBS. Except during specified breaks and at the end of the program, spouses and other family members should not plan to visit participants in Boston.

Technology – Program participants benefit from an on-campus environment that is powerfully enriched by state-of-the-art technology infrastructure. The range of hands-on tools spans computer simulations, webcasts, and videoconferencing in class; a personal computer equipped with all the necessary software in each participant's room; and immediate access to extensive databases and proprietary resources exclusive to the HBS community. The result is an innovative, on-campus environment that is supported comprehensively by shared resources and learning.

Health and Fitness – A leader is an irreplaceable resource. HBS encourages all managers to maintain good health and fitness habits, providing access to the School's state-of-the-art health club at Shad Hall. This private fitness center on the HBS campus includes an indoor elevated walking/jogging track; three basketball courts; racquetball and squash courts; four outdoor tennis courts and three gymnasium courts; table tennis; an indoor golf net; two aerobics studios with classes ranging from spinning to yoga to kickboxing; an extensive fitness equipment area; and fully equipped men's and women's locker rooms, complete with whirlpool, steam, and sauna rooms.

Why HBS? – With more than 60 years of experience in executive education, Harvard Business School is the leading provider of advanced learning opportunities that strengthen the leadership capacity of both individuals and their organizations. Unlike any other, the HBS Executive Education learning model immerses the world's most promising managers in a transformational experience that transcends the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and tools—and fosters professional, intellectual, and personal development. Every program challenges executives to grow as leaders, to shape powerful ideas into decisive action plans, and to think and manage differently in a changing business world.

"I studied economics to learn more about theory, and completed my MBA to learn more about business practice. But when I finished PLD, I had learned more about myself."
Seyfi Gunay [Director], Moody's Analytics, Germany

Alumni Status

PLD participants earn HBS alumni status by completing an additional 10 days (two credit weeks) of HBS Executive Education Open-Enrollment (OE) or custom programs. Participants have five years from the completion of either PLD or the first qualifying program to fulfill these requirements. Qualifying programs include those completed within two years prior to the PLD start date. Participants must apply for each OE program and must meet admission requirements. As a member of the HBS alumni community, you will enjoy exclusive access to:

• The HBS alumni network – Tap into a global resource of more than 72,000 MBA and Executive Education alumni in over 150 countries
• The HBS Alumni Clubs and Associations – Connect with members of 85 Alumni Clubs and Associations worldwide on diverse business and social levels. Besides strengthening alumni relationships and offering opportunities for continued learning, many Clubs and Associations provide community service, reinforcing the HBS mission "to educate leaders who make a difference in the world."
• The Baker Library services – Access a comprehensive collection of content assets and thought-leadership pieces on wide-ranging aspects of management and leadership online at http://www.library.hbs.edu/resources_alumni.html.
• The HBS Publishing Alumni Plus Program – Identify yourself as an alumni member when placing an order and receive a 20-percent discount on regularly priced items. This includes HBS Press books, Harvard Business Review article reprints, and case studies (subscriptions not included). If other discounts are offered (such as quantity or special pricing), the lowest available discount will apply. After completing a program at the School, alumni will receive a free one-year subscription to Harvard Business Review.
• A 30-percent discount on all HBS Executive Education Open-Enrollment programs
• A lifelong HBS email forwarding address