General Management Program - General Management - Programs - Executive Education

Companies need executives who are exceptional leaders—and who know every part of the business. Whether you have overall profit and loss responsibility or simply want to take your business leadership and management ability to the next level, the General Management Program (GMP) provides an accelerated journey of personal and professional growth.

Preparing you to contribute beyond your field of functional expertise, this career-changing learning experience will expand your leadership skills, business acumen, global perspective, and professional network. The highly integrated modular format of this business management program blends full-time, personalized learning on campus with practical application on the job, maximizing your learning—and your return on investment.

Summary

Key Benefits

As your responsibilities grow, you need an in-depth knowledge of business operations, an end-to-end view of the business, and a multidisciplinary approach to leadership. The General Management Program empowers you with the skills necessary to identify, frame, and solve complex business problems, build cooperation among disciplines, and drive fundamental change across the organization. You will emerge better prepared to build winning strategies and strong teams, anticipate and respond to competitive threats, and contribute to your company's growth on a more strategic and senior level.

Key Benefits

Add more value to the business by broadening your cross-functional perspective
Lead with greater confidence and vision as you set the strategy and align the organization
Keep growing as a leader by building on powerful insights gained through professional coaching
Formulate a detailed personal action plan to address your strategic and leadership challenges
Build enduring bonds with accomplished peers who span functions, industries, and countries
Take advantage of lifelong learning resources as a member of the global HBS alumni community

Download the General Management Program Curriculum Guide

Who Should Attend

This flagship program is designed for participants with at least 15 to 20 years of experience, including:

General managers in any industry who have overall profit and loss responsibility
Executives whose cross-functional role is significantly expanding
Executives who will soon become business-unit, divisional, or regional leaders

Participating Companies Have Included:

Adidas

Amazon

Cisco

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

First Republic Bank

Kimberly-Clark

Monsanto

Novo Nordisk

Pepsi

Philips

Procter & Gamble

Schlumberger

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Serious Play, Unforgettable Lesson

Professor Stefan Thomke finds innovative ways to drive the lesson home.

participants seated around large table discussing a case in a Tata living group lounge

Experience the GMP Modules

Watch as GMP participants apply full-time learning on campus with practical application on the job.

See Their Stories

Inside the Classroom

See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.

Who Should Attend

Download the General Management Program Curriculum Guide

This flagship program is designed for participants with at least 15 to 20 years of experience, including:

General managers in any industry who have overall profit and loss responsibility
Executives whose cross-functional role is significantly expanding
Executives who will soon become business-unit, divisional, or regional leaders

Participating Companies Have Included:

Adidas

Amazon

Cisco

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

First Republic Bank

Kimberly-Clark

Monsanto

Novo Nordisk

Pepsi

Philips

Procter & Gamble

Schlumberger

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Serious Play, Unforgettable Lesson

Professor Stefan Thomke finds innovative ways to drive the lesson home.

Experience the GMP Modules

Watch as GMP participants apply full-time learning on campus with practical application on the job.

See Their Stories

Inside the Classroom

See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.

Learning and Living at HBS

When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Learning and Living at HBS: When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Alumni Status

Upon completing the General Management Program, you will become a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community—gaining exclusive access to our vast global alumni network and an array of resources that facilitate lifelong learning, growth, and success. Learn more.

Alumni Status: Upon completing the General Management Program, you will become a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community—gaining exclusive access to our vast global alumni network and an array of resources that facilitate lifelong learning, growth, and success. Learn more.

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although the General Management Program has no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

The Application Process

We select applicants who embrace challenges, seek genuine personal and professional growth, and are ready to innovate—in themselves and in their organizations. The curious, open-minded executive who commits wholeheartedly will find the program to be a highly stimulating, rewarding—even life-changing—experience.

To apply, you will submit:

The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your current responsibilities, goals, and challenges
A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work

To review both the application and letter of reference, download the Application PDF. You can submit your application via our online Application Form or by returning a completed PDF. When submitting the online application form, you will be asked for the email address of the individual serving as your reference. That individual will receive an email with a link to an online letter of reference form.

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Letter of Reference

To gain a deeper understanding of your background and your potential as a leader, we require a letter of reference from a senior executive within your organization, a board member, or an HBS graduate familiar with your role and responsibilities. To submit the letter, follow the instructions in your application.

English Proficiency

Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for active participation in fast-moving classes and small group discussions.

Learning Commitment

Residency on campus is required for the on-campus modules, and classes are held six days a week. Your active participation in all classroom sessions, case discussions, and other program activities is essential, so you must be free of other responsibilities while you are on campus.

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply as soon as you can, and at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

A limited amount of partial scholarship funding may be available for qualified applicants from not-for-profit organizations. Please include a request for funding in your application.

Admissions Criteria and Process

The Application Process

To apply, you will submit:

The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your current responsibilities, goals, and challenges
A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work

Answering Your Questions

Letter of Reference

English Proficiency

Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for active participation in fast-moving classes and small group discussions.

Learning Commitment

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

A limited amount of partial scholarship funding may be available for qualified applicants from not-for-profit organizations. Please include a request for funding in your application.

What You Will Learn

The General Management Program provides a highly integrated, multidisciplinary view of strategy, leadership, and the organization. Blending practical business knowledge with personalized learning, assessments, and individual projects, the program engages you in a dynamic exchange with the HBS faculty, a professional HBS Executive Coach, and a diverse group of senior executives from around the world.

Designed to expand your leadership skills, mindset, and network, the General Management Program requires just seven weeks away from the office over the course of four months. You will alternate full-time on-campus learning with distance learning and apply new insights at work. Through this proven "learn-apply-refine" approach, you can prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead while moving forward in your current role.

Download the General Management Program Curriculum Guide

What You Will Learn

Download the General Management Program Curriculum Guide

Module DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Module 1: Building foundational skills Module 1: Building foundational skills

Format: Individual distance learning before you arrive on campus (4 weeks)

Strengthen core business knowledge and terminology before you arrive on campus
Complete self-directed assignments to build a solid foundation in financial management, strategy formulation, and accounting
Set aside 15 to 20 hours per week to complete this work during the four weeks leading up to Module 2

Module 2: Sharpening diagnostic skills Module 2: Sharpening diagnostic skills

Format: On the HBS campus (4 weeks)

Define and explore a personal path to authentic leadership that enables you to earn the trust and respect of subordinates, peers, and shareholders
Enhance your analytical skills and expand your knowledge of financial management, human resources management, strategy formulation, accounting, marketing, operations, and negotiations
Broaden your diagnostic abilities by studying cross-functional problems that require comprehensive, long-term action plans
Develop your personal strategy statement for a challenge facing you and your organization

Module 3: Applying the knowledge Module 3: Applying the knowledge

Format: Distance learning while you apply new insights at work (4 weeks)

Complete various self-directed assignments and assessments and gather 360-degree feedback from your peers and boss
Transform your personal strategy statement into a detailed personal action plan
Develop a business case, focusing on challenges related to implementing your proposed strategy
Share your personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case with your boss and team and gather their feedback
Set aside 10 to 12 hours per week to complete this work during the four weeks leading up to Module 4

Module 4: Action-oriented leadership Module 4: Action-oriented leadership

Format: On the HBS campus (3 weeks)

Analyze the ethical, motivational, and performance challenges associated with leadership
Expand your ability to act as an agent of organizational change and help your business capitalize on evolving technology and globalization
Review assessment results with your personal coach, evaluate your leadership abilities, and identify areas for improvement
Present your customized case to your living group and finalize your personal action plan

Module Details

Module 1: Building foundational skills

Format: Individual distance learning before you arrive on campus (4 weeks)

Strengthen core business knowledge and terminology before you arrive on campus
Complete self-directed assignments to build a solid foundation in financial management, strategy formulation, and accounting
Set aside 15 to 20 hours per week to complete this work during the four weeks leading up to Module 2

Module 2: Sharpening diagnostic skills

Format: On the HBS campus (4 weeks)

Define and explore a personal path to authentic leadership that enables you to earn the trust and respect of subordinates, peers, and shareholders
Enhance your analytical skills and expand your knowledge of financial management, human resources management, strategy formulation, accounting, marketing, operations, and negotiations
Broaden your diagnostic abilities by studying cross-functional problems that require comprehensive, long-term action plans
Develop your personal strategy statement for a challenge facing you and your organization

Module 3: Applying the knowledge

Format: Distance learning while you apply new insights at work (4 weeks)

Complete various self-directed assignments and assessments and gather 360-degree feedback from your peers and boss
Transform your personal strategy statement into a detailed personal action plan
Develop a business case, focusing on challenges related to implementing your proposed strategy
Share your personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case with your boss and team and gather their feedback
Set aside 10 to 12 hours per week to complete this work during the four weeks leading up to Module 4

Module 4: Action-oriented leadership

Format: On the HBS campus (3 weeks)

Analyze the ethical, motivational, and performance challenges associated with leadership
Expand your ability to act as an agent of organizational change and help your business capitalize on evolving technology and globalization
Review assessment results with your personal coach, evaluate your leadership abilities, and identify areas for improvement
Present your customized case to your living group and finalize your personal action plan

Special Program FeaturesExpand All Collapse All

Living/Learning Group Work Living/Learning Group Work

An immersive four-month program creates the opportunity to build close, trusting relationships with a small, diverse group of senior executives who can understand your challenges—but are not part of your organization. Your living group will stimulate your learning each day as you:

Share global insights with peer executives who span functions, cultures, and countries
Consider diverse perspectives as you discuss cases and assignments
Complete small group exercises and collaborate on projects as a team
Exchange feedback—both personal and professional—in a safe environment

HBS executive coaching HBS executive coaching

Our distinctive coaching method is designed to accelerate both individual and team growth. During the first and third weeks of the program, your living group will meet with a professional HBS Executive Coach to accelerate the living group process. Your coach will help you identify your personal leadership strengths and gaps through two one-on-one sessions—one 360-degree leadership and personal assessment session at the start of the program and another session focused on your reentry strategy following the program. All coaching sessions are strictly confidential, giving you the freedom to share your personal goals and professional challenges.

Individual projects: personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case Individual projects: personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case

The program personalizes your learning with multiple projects designed to help you apply your new skills to real-life strategy and leadership challenges. You will work on solving a fundamental challenge facing you and your organization. Through this exercise, you will:

Gain greater insight into your industry and your company's competitive position
Improve your ability to clearly communicate issues to peers and garner their input
Learn how to drive change by aligning the appropriate resources and activities
Identify and prepare for potential roadblocks and leadership challenges that may arise as you work to implement your strategy
Build a network of GMP peer advisors who can apply their unique knowledge and background to your challenge

Powerful lineup of industry guest speakers Powerful lineup of industry guest speakers

You will have a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers—often the case protagonists—who share how they overcame diverse business and leadership challenges.

Site visits Site visits

During on-site tours of successful local companies, you will gain firsthand insight into how business leaders are capitalizing on new opportunities to drive innovation and growth.

Special Program Features

Living/Learning Group Work

Share global insights with peer executives who span functions, cultures, and countries
Consider diverse perspectives as you discuss cases and assignments
Complete small group exercises and collaborate on projects as a team
Exchange feedback—both personal and professional—in a safe environment

HBS executive coaching

Individual projects: personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case

Gain greater insight into your industry and your company's competitive position
Improve your ability to clearly communicate issues to peers and garner their input
Learn how to drive change by aligning the appropriate resources and activities
Identify and prepare for potential roadblocks and leadership challenges that may arise as you work to implement your strategy
Build a network of GMP peer advisors who can apply their unique knowledge and background to your challenge

Powerful lineup of industry guest speakers

You will have a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers—often the case protagonists—who share how they overcame diverse business and leadership challenges.

Site visits

During on-site tours of successful local companies, you will gain firsthand insight into how business leaders are capitalizing on new opportunities to drive innovation and growth.

The HBS Advantage

The General Management Program is developed and taught by a multidisciplinary team of HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

Stefan H. Thomke

William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Technology and Operations Management

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Rawi E. Abdelal

Herbert F. Johnson Professor of International Management

HBS Unit:

Business, Government and the International Economy

Read Full Bio

David J. Collis

Adjunct Professor

HBS Unit:

Strategy

Read Full Bio

Mihir A. Desai

Mizuho Financial Group Professor of Finance

HBS Units:

Finance

Entrepreneurial Management

Read Full Bio

Linda A. Hill

Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

V.G. Narayanan

Thomas D. Casserly, Jr. Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Accounting and Management

Read Full Bio

Andrew Wasynczuk

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Guest Speakers

HBS faculty members have enduring relationships with some of the world's most distinguished leaders—and many of those invited to speak are the protagonists in the cases being studied during the program. These inspiring sessions, often considered once-in-a-lifetime highlights of the program, deepen the learning experience and give you firsthand insights into how top executives have overcome critical business and leadership challenges.

The HBS Advantage

Faculty Chair

Stefan H. Thomke

William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Technology and Operations Management

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Rawi E. Abdelal

Herbert F. Johnson Professor of International Management

HBS Unit:

Business, Government and the International Economy

Read Full Bio

David J. Collis

Adjunct Professor

HBS Unit:

Strategy

Read Full Bio

Mihir A. Desai

Mizuho Financial Group Professor of Finance

HBS Units:

Finance

Entrepreneurial Management

Read Full Bio

Linda A. Hill

Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

V.G. Narayanan

Thomas D. Casserly, Jr. Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Accounting and Management

Read Full Bio

Andrew Wasynczuk

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Guest Speakers

Apply Download Brochure

More Admissions Information

Program content, dates, fees, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

Request the Brochure

Download Brochure

"I learned to look beyond the obvious and consider problems from all possible angles."

Paula Davila Martinez

Head of Procurement, Adidas AG, Germany

Read Her Story

Download

Need Help? Contact Us:

Ms. Alyssa Saraswat

Manager, Program Advising
Email: asaraswat@hbs.edu

Identify the Right Program for You

Program Finder

Request the Brochure

Download Brochure

"I learned to look beyond the obvious and consider problems from all possible angles."

Paula Davila Martinez

Head of Procurement, Adidas AG, Germany

Read Her Story

Download

Need Help? Contact Us:

Ms. Alyssa Saraswat

Manager, Program Advising
Email: asaraswat@hbs.edu

Identify the Right Program for You

Program Finder

Related Programs

Explore All Programs Download Program Portfolio

Explore All Programs Application PDF

General Management Program: Creating Outstanding Business Leaders

"I learned to look beyond the obvious and consider problems from all possible angles."

"I learned to look beyond the obvious and consider problems from all possible angles."

Stefan Thomke's magic in the classroom transforms executives into innovation leaders.

Stefan Thomke's magic in the classroom transforms executives into innovation leaders.

Summary

Summary

Key Benefits

Who Should Attend

Who Should Attend

Learning and Living at HBS

Learning and Living at HBS

Alumni Status

Alumni Status

Admissions Criteria and Process

The Application Process

To apply, you will submit:

Answering Your Questions

Letter of Reference

English Proficiency

Learning Commitment

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The Application Process

To apply, you will submit:

Answering Your Questions

Letter of Reference

English Proficiency

Learning Commitment

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

What You Will Learn

Module DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

Module 1: Building foundational skillsModule 1: Building foundational skills Dropdown down

Module 2: Sharpening diagnostic skillsModule 2: Sharpening diagnostic skills Dropdown down

Module 3: Applying the knowledgeModule 3: Applying the knowledge Dropdown down

Module 4: Action-oriented leadershipModule 4: Action-oriented leadership Dropdown down

Module 1: Building foundational skills

Module 2: Sharpening diagnostic skills

Module 3: Applying the knowledge

Module 4: Action-oriented leadership

Special Program FeaturesExpand AllCollapse All

Living/Learning Group WorkLiving/Learning Group Work Dropdown down

HBS executive coachingHBS executive coaching Dropdown down

Individual projects: personal strategy statement, action plan, and business caseIndividual projects: personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case Dropdown down

Powerful lineup of industry guest speakers Powerful lineup of industry guest speakers Dropdown down

Site visitsSite visits Dropdown down

Living/Learning Group Work

HBS executive coaching

Individual projects: personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case

Powerful lineup of industry guest speakers

Site visits

The HBS Advantage

Guest Speakers

The HBS Advantage

Guest Speakers

"I learned to look beyond the obvious and consider problems from all possible angles."

"I learned to look beyond the obvious and consider problems from all possible angles."

Stefan Thomke's magic in the classroom transforms executives into innovation leaders.

Stefan Thomke's magic in the classroom transforms executives into innovation leaders.

Module DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Module 1: Building foundational skills Module 1: Building foundational skills

Module 2: Sharpening diagnostic skills Module 2: Sharpening diagnostic skills

Module 3: Applying the knowledge Module 3: Applying the knowledge

Module 4: Action-oriented leadership Module 4: Action-oriented leadership

Special Program FeaturesExpand All Collapse All

Living/Learning Group Work Living/Learning Group Work

HBS executive coaching HBS executive coaching

Individual projects: personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case Individual projects: personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case

Powerful lineup of industry guest speakers Powerful lineup of industry guest speakers

Site visits Site visits