General Management Program: Shaping the Future of Outstanding Leaders
- Upcoming Sessions
- (1 of 2)
- Dates: 31 JUL–17 NOV 2023
- Format: Blended Combines both in-person and virtual learning.
- Locations: Virtual, HBS Campus
- Fee: $75,000
- 31 JUL–04 SEP 2023 — Module 1 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 05–22 SEP 2023 — Module 2 (Virtual, Live Online)
- 23 SEP–21 OCT 2023 — Module 3 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 22 OCT–17 NOV 2023 — Module 4 (HBS Campus)
- 31 JUL–04 SEP 2023 — Module 1 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 05–22 SEP 2023 — Module 2 (Virtual, Live Online)
- 23 SEP–21 OCT 2023 — Module 3 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 22 OCT–17 NOV 2023 — Module 4 (HBS Campus)
- Dates: 08 JAN–26 APR 2024
- Format: Blended Combines both in-person and virtual learning.
- Locations: Virtual, HBS Campus
- Fee: $77,000
- 08 JAN–10 FEB 2024 — Module 1 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 11 FEB–01 MAR 2024 — Module 2 (Virtual, Live Online)
- 02–31 MAR 2024 — Module 3 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 01–26 APR 2024 — Module 4 (HBS Campus)
- 08 JAN–10 FEB 2024 — Module 1 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 11 FEB–01 MAR 2024 — Module 2 (Virtual, Live Online)
- 02–31 MAR 2024 — Module 3 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 01–26 APR 2024 — Module 4 (HBS Campus)

"What impressed me about the HBS Live Online Classroom was the innovation and scale to create a personalized experience."

Stefan Thomke's magic in the classroom transforms executives into innovation leaders.
Summary
Taking your organization and your career to the next level requires going beyond your field of expertise to gain an end-to-end view of the enterprise, an in-depth understanding of business operations, and a multidisciplinary approach to leadership.
The General Management Program (GMP) accelerates this leadership transition by blending full-time, personalized learning with practical application on the job—maximizing your learning and your return on investment.
-
Summary
-
Taking your organization and your career to the next level requires going beyond your field of expertise to gain an end-to-end view of the enterprise, an in-depth understanding of business operations, and a multidisciplinary approach to leadership.
The General Management Program (GMP) accelerates this leadership transition by blending full-time, personalized learning with practical application on the job—maximizing your learning and your return on investment.
Key Benefits
Focused on strategy, leadership, and the organization, the program delivers the tools you need to capitalize on technological disruption and digital transformation and play a more strategic role in corporate success. This includes:
-
Considering global and industry forces when setting your organization's strategic direction -
Building a creative culture that is open to change and digital connectivity -
Continuing to grow as an agile leader by building on powerful insights gained through professional coaching -
Formulating a detailed personal action plan to address your strategic and leadership challenges -
Building enduring bonds with accomplished peers who span functions, industries, and countries
Focused on strategy, leadership, and the organization, the program delivers the tools you need to capitalize on technological disruption and digital transformation and play a more strategic role in corporate success. This includes:
-
Considering global and industry forces when setting your organization's strategic direction -
Building a creative culture that is open to change and digital connectivity -
Continuing to grow as an agile leader by building on powerful insights gained through professional coaching -
Formulating a detailed personal action plan to address your strategic and leadership challenges -
Building enduring bonds with accomplished peers who span functions, industries, and countries
Who Should Attend
GMP is designed for senior executives with at least 15 to 20 years of experience who are looking to expand their knowledge and influence, so they can make a greater impact on their organization and advance their personal goals. Ideal candidates include:
- Leaders with profit and loss responsibility
- Senior executives whose functional role is significantly expanding
-
Who Should Attend
-
GMP is designed for senior executives with at least 15 to 20 years of experience who are looking to expand their knowledge and influence, so they can make a greater impact on their organization and advance their personal goals. Ideal candidates include:
- Leaders with profit and loss responsibility
- Senior executives whose functional role is significantly expanding
Dive Deeper into the Experience
Leaders in Virtual Learning
This program features sessions in the HBS Live Online Classroom.
Just as HBS pioneered the case study method, we also built the first live online classroom in 2014 and have been refining and optimizing our virtual program experience ever since. In a world that is now centered around virtual connection, our programs reflect the input and experience of tens of thousands of participants.
When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.
-
Leaders in Virtual Learning
-
This program features sessions in the HBS Live Online Classroom.
Just as HBS pioneered the case study method, we also built the first live online classroom in 2014 and have been refining and optimizing our virtual program experience ever since. In a world that is now centered around virtual connection, our programs reflect the input and experience of tens of thousands of participants.
When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.
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 learning/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 learning/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
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
Learning Commitment
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
The program fee covers tuition, books, and case materials, as well as accommodations and most meals for the on-campus module. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests 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.
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
Learning Commitment
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
The program fee covers tuition, books, and case materials, as well as accommodations and most meals for the on-campus module. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests 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.
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, 360-degree leadership and personal assessments, as well as 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 between full-time, rigorous modules and part-time, self-paced modules that provide the opportunity to 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.
-
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, 360-degree leadership and personal assessments, as well as 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 between full-time, rigorous modules and part-time, self-paced modules that provide the opportunity to 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.
Module DetailsExpand AllCollapse All
Module 1: Strengthen your foundational skillsModule 1: Strengthen your foundational skills
- Complete self-directed assignments using a mix of online, print, and audio materials
- Strengthen core business knowledge in financial management, strategy formulation, and accounting
- Gain an understanding of the HBS learning environment, common terminology, and case-based learning
- Set aside 15 to 20 hours per week to complete this work during the four weeks leading up to Module 2
Module 2: Broaden your perspective and elevate your expertiseModule 2: Broaden your perspective and elevate your expertise
- Enhance your analytical skills and expand your knowledge of accounting, financial management, strategy formulation, innovation, leadership, marketing, operations, and negotiations
- Learn to recognize and diagnose problems, quickly generate and assess options, and identify and activate winning strategies
- Develop a strategy for immediately applying your knowledge to your organization and gain input from experts and peers
- Set aside 40 to 50 hours per week to complete class sessions, learning group discussions, case study preparation, coaching, and faculty office hours
*Participants will be grouped into two sections based on preferred class times for virtual class sessions.
- Virtual learning group discussions will take place from 7:45 to 8:45 AM ET.
- Both sections will attend a joint session, on the Zoom platform, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM ET, Monday through Friday. The joint sessions will cover a range of formats: guest speakers, group work, and networking.
- Section A will attend class sessions from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET and Section B will attend class sessions from 6:00 to 9:30 PM ET. Classes will take place Monday through Friday.
- Faculty office hours, coaching, and case study preparation will take place outside of the class sessions referenced above.
- Please note that session start and end times may be slightly adjusted and final confirmation will be given during Module 1.
Module 3: Put your knowledge into actionModule 3: Put your knowledge into action
- Complete various self-directed assignments and assessments and gather 360-degree feedback from your peers and manager
- Transform your personal strategy statement into a detailed personal action plan
- Develop a business case study that focuses on a personal business challenge
- Share your personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case with your manager and team and gather their feedback
- Learning Group meeting with HBS Executive Coach
- One 1:1 meeting with HBS Executive Coach
- Set aside 20 to 30 hours per week to complete this work during the four weeks leading up to Module 4
Module 4: Maximize your leadership impactModule 4: Maximize your leadership impact
- Expand your ability to think about the macro picture and consider global and industry forces when making strategic decisions
- Prepare to help your organization capitalize on technological disruption, digital transformation, strategic pricing, and other evolving trends
- Enhance your executive presence by reviewing your assessment results with your personal coach, evaluating your leadership abilities, and identifying areas for improvement
- Present your customized case to your learning group and finalize your personal action plan
Module 1: Strengthen your foundational skills
- Complete self-directed assignments using a mix of online, print, and audio materials
- Strengthen core business knowledge in financial management, strategy formulation, and accounting
- Gain an understanding of the HBS learning environment, common terminology, and case-based learning
- Set aside 15 to 20 hours per week to complete this work during the four weeks leading up to Module 2
Module 2: Broaden your perspective and elevate your expertise
- Enhance your analytical skills and expand your knowledge of accounting, financial management, strategy formulation, innovation, leadership, marketing, operations, and negotiations
- Learn to recognize and diagnose problems, quickly generate and assess options, and identify and activate winning strategies
- Develop a strategy for immediately applying your knowledge to your organization and gain input from experts and peers
- Set aside 40 to 50 hours per week to complete class sessions, learning group discussions, case study preparation, coaching, and faculty office hours
*Participants will be grouped into two sections based on preferred class times for virtual class sessions.
- Virtual learning group discussions will take place from 7:45 to 8:45 AM ET.
- Both sections will attend a joint session, on the Zoom platform, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM ET, Monday through Friday. The joint sessions will cover a range of formats: guest speakers, group work, and networking.
- Section A will attend class sessions from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET and Section B will attend class sessions from 6:00 to 9:30 PM ET. Classes will take place Monday through Friday.
- Faculty office hours, coaching, and case study preparation will take place outside of the class sessions referenced above.
- Please note that session start and end times may be slightly adjusted and final confirmation will be given during Module 1.
Module 3: Put your knowledge into action
- Complete various self-directed assignments and assessments and gather 360-degree feedback from your peers and manager
- Transform your personal strategy statement into a detailed personal action plan
- Develop a business case study that focuses on a personal business challenge
- Share your personal strategy statement, action plan, and business case with your manager and team and gather their feedback
- Learning Group meeting with HBS Executive Coach
- One 1:1 meeting with HBS Executive Coach
- Set aside 20 to 30 hours per week to complete this work during the four weeks leading up to Module 4
Module 4: Maximize your leadership impact
- Expand your ability to think about the macro picture and consider global and industry forces when making strategic decisions
- Prepare to help your organization capitalize on technological disruption, digital transformation, strategic pricing, and other evolving trends
- Enhance your executive presence by reviewing your assessment results with your personal coach, evaluating your leadership abilities, and identifying areas for improvement
- Present your customized case to your learning group and finalize your personal action plan
Special Program FeaturesExpand AllCollapse All
Learning group workLearning 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. At the start of the program you will be placed into learning groups that you will meet with virtually until coming to campus for Module 4. During Module 4, your learning group will be housed together in custom design accommodations, featuring private suites around a spacious common area. Throughout the program, you will:
- Share global insights with peer executives who span functions, cultures, and countries
- Consider wide-ranging 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 CoachingHBS Executive Coaching
Our distinctive coaching method is designed to accelerate both individual and team growth. During Modules 2-4 of the program, your learning group will meet with a professional HBS Executive Coach to help enhance your leadership journey and team effectiveness. 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.
Personal strategy statement, action plan, and business casePersonal 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. Over the course of GMP, 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 and innovation 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.
The GMP networkThe GMP network
During GMP, you will build rewarding and enduring relationships with a diverse group of accomplished executive peers. This vibrant and powerful global network will continue to grow as you tap into faculty-led webinars, leadership renewal programs, and GMP reunions and workshops.
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. At the start of the program you will be placed into learning groups that you will meet with virtually until coming to campus for Module 4. During Module 4, your learning group will be housed together in custom design accommodations, featuring private suites around a spacious common area. Throughout the program, you will:
- Share global insights with peer executives who span functions, cultures, and countries
- Consider wide-ranging 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
Our distinctive coaching method is designed to accelerate both individual and team growth. During Modules 2-4 of the program, your learning group will meet with a professional HBS Executive Coach to help enhance your leadership journey and team effectiveness. 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.
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. Over the course of GMP, 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 and innovation 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.
The GMP network
During GMP, you will build rewarding and enduring relationships with a diverse group of accomplished executive peers. This vibrant and powerful global network will continue to grow as you tap into faculty-led webinars, leadership renewal programs, and GMP reunions and workshops.
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.
William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration
William Ziegler Professor of Business Administration
Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration
Thomas D. Casserly, Jr. Professor of Business Administration
Baker Foundation Professor, Malcolm P. Mcnair Professor of Marketing
C. Roland Christensen Professor of Business Administration
McLean Family Professor of Business Administration
Philip Caldwell Professor of Business Administration
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
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
-
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 ChairWilliam Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Technology and Operations ManagementFacultyWilliam Ziegler Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Business, Government and the International EconomyWallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Organizational BehaviorThomas D. Casserly, Jr. Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Accounting and ManagementBaker Foundation Professor, Malcolm P. Mcnair Professor of Marketing
HBS Unit:MarketingC. Roland Christensen Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:StrategyMcLean Family Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Accounting and ManagementPhilip Caldwell Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Business, Government and the International EconomySenior Lecturer of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Negotiation, Organizations & MarketsGuest 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.
Your Peers Expand Your Learning
-
Your Peers Expand Your Learning
-
Global PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroom.Global PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroom.12%Africa17%Asia Pacific15%Europe8%Latin America11%Middle East37%North America12%Africa17%Asia Pacific15%Europe8%Latin America11%Middle East37%North AmericaTop Industries Represented