Now more than ever, companies must strengthen the foundation for success by developing strong, resilient leaders at all levels. This live online program empowers high potential leaders to overcome the increasingly complex challenges that emerge as they take on greater leadership roles, and to thrive in the midst of uncertainty and volatility. By exploring the pros and cons of diverse leadership styles and strategies, you will expand your ability to build productive teams, champion change, lead in a crisis, and create a culture of high performance.

This high potentials leadership program is presented jointly with the HBS Leadership Initiative.

You may also be interested in the related program: High Potentials Leadership Program.

This program is eligible for the Certificate of Management Excellence. Learn More

Summary

This high potentials leadership program is presented jointly with the HBS Leadership Initiative.

You may also be interested in the related program: High Potentials Leadership Program.

This program is eligible for the Certificate of Management Excellence. Learn More

Key Benefits

Focused on developing high potential leaders, this virtual program prepares you to embrace the risks and opportunities that accompany new leadership roles. You will examine the hallmarks of visionary leaders, how to communicate complex information and defend your decisions, and what it takes to motivate a diverse and inclusive workforce. In the process, you will transform your leadership approach and optimize your potential to stay on the fast track throughout your career.

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Foster the right leadership qualities in yourself and others Foster the right leadership qualities in yourself and others

Balance your personal leadership style with the demands of the organization without compromising your principles
Adjust your leadership approach as your responsibilities grow and change
Develop the next class of high potential leaders—and inspire leadership throughout the organization

Expand your contribution through stronger leadership Expand your contribution through stronger leadership

Build high-performance teams that are more than the sum of their parts
Lead effectively through situations involving conflict and crisis
Receive feedback with an open mind and deliver it with tact
Build internal and external relationships to achieve both professional and personal goals

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Key Benefits

Details

Foster the right leadership qualities in yourself and others

Balance your personal leadership style with the demands of the organization without compromising your principles
Adjust your leadership approach as your responsibilities grow and change
Develop the next class of high potential leaders—and inspire leadership throughout the organization

Expand your contribution through stronger leadership

Build high-performance teams that are more than the sum of their parts
Lead effectively through situations involving conflict and crisis
Receive feedback with an open mind and deliver it with tact
Build internal and external relationships to achieve both professional and personal goals

Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for high-impact, top-performing individuals—from vice presidents to program managers and team leaders—with 10–20 years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility. Companies sending groups of three to five participants from different functions will facilitate collaboration, teamwork, and learning across the organization by creating:

A core group of talented, driven individuals who think about leadership and the challenges confronting emerging leaders
Champions who can reinforce the principles learned in the program across the company
Mentors who can help build the next line of leaders

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 5 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Who Should Attend

A core group of talented, driven individuals who think about leadership and the challenges confronting emerging leaders
Champions who can reinforce the principles learned in the program across the company
Mentors who can help build the next line of leaders

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 5 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Leaders in Virtual Learning

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.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

head and shoulder images of people in polygon shapes connected to a laptop with the HBS shield in the center

Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations

Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.

Learn More

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

Leaders in Virtual Learning: 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.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations

Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.

Learn More

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Watch the Video Watch the Video

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

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 most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

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.

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply 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, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.

Admissions Criteria and 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

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

Featuring faculty presentations, case studies, virtual group discussions, workshops, and individual and team exercises, this high potentials leadership program examines the distinctive characteristics that define successful leaders. The challenging curriculum is designed to spark thought-provoking debate and analysis, as well as self-reflection and personal development. You will exit the program fully prepared to lead with greater vision, drive meaningful change—and empower others to unleash their leadership potential.

The program will continue delivering value long after it ends. To help you achieve the personal and professional goals you set for yourself, the faculty will send you brief follow-up reminders. You also will be able to draw on a network of peers for advice and support as you confront ongoing leadership challenges.

What You Will Learn

Program Format

The program will take place over five days, with 4-7 hours of live, synchronous classes each day, and two hours of breaks throughout the day. Start and end times vary by day. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. Additionally, you will spend five hours in virtual discussion groups throughout the week. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers both inside and outside the classroom at optional networking hours.

Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in class and in small groups.

Program Format

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Choosing your leadership style Choosing your leadership style

Exploring different leadership styles in action
Assessing the best leadership approach for different situations, including times of crisis
Recognizing the distinction between leadership and management
Evaluating the pros and cons of different leadership styles
Overcoming the challenges of co-leadership

Leading teams Leading teams

Building more productive teams
Evaluating and increasing the effectiveness of your team, even when working remotely
Understanding the reality of team life—the good, the bad, and the paradoxical
Leading diverse and inclusive teams and getting the most value from differences
Maximizing creativity in groups

Expressing yourself effectively Expressing yourself effectively

Improving your ability to communicate, whether you're explaining complex information, leading in a crisis, or defending your decisions
Becoming more persuasive by drawing on techniques from the world of theater, storytelling, and public communications

Managing networks Managing networks

Establishing effective networks—and overcoming common obstacles
Viewing your internal and external networks as important leadership assets
Evaluating and maximizing the value of your networks
Managing up—why it's important and how to do it
Addressing the politics of change in constructive ways

Developing talent and leadership Developing talent and leadership

Creating a culture of leadership
Motivating a diverse and inclusive workforce
Managing performance and nurturing talent
Improving organizational capability, execution, and innovation

Key Topics

Choosing your leadership style

Exploring different leadership styles in action
Assessing the best leadership approach for different situations, including times of crisis
Recognizing the distinction between leadership and management
Evaluating the pros and cons of different leadership styles
Overcoming the challenges of co-leadership

Leading teams

Building more productive teams
Evaluating and increasing the effectiveness of your team, even when working remotely
Understanding the reality of team life—the good, the bad, and the paradoxical
Leading diverse and inclusive teams and getting the most value from differences
Maximizing creativity in groups

Expressing yourself effectively

Improving your ability to communicate, whether you're explaining complex information, leading in a crisis, or defending your decisions
Becoming more persuasive by drawing on techniques from the world of theater, storytelling, and public communications

Managing networks

Establishing effective networks—and overcoming common obstacles
Viewing your internal and external networks as important leadership assets
Evaluating and maximizing the value of your networks
Managing up—why it's important and how to do it
Addressing the politics of change in constructive ways

Developing talent and leadership

Creating a culture of leadership
Motivating a diverse and inclusive workforce
Managing performance and nurturing talent
Improving organizational capability, execution, and innovation

Special Program FeaturesExpand All Collapse All

Pre-program assessments Pre-program assessments

You will complete two assessment tests prior to the program – Network and EQ Assessments – which will help inform individual coaching sessions

Coaching conversations Coaching conversations

You will schedule time with a professional HBS Executive Coach to discuss your Network and EQ Assessments, and to create a personal leadership plan

Resilience workshop Resilience workshop

You will participate in a group workshop to explore ways to be a resilient leader, and to inspire resilience in your teams

Special Program Features

Pre-program assessments

You will complete two assessment tests prior to the program – Network and EQ Assessments – which will help inform individual coaching sessions

Coaching conversations

You will schedule time with a professional HBS Executive Coach to discuss your Network and EQ Assessments, and to create a personal leadership plan

Resilience workshop

You will participate in a group workshop to explore ways to be a resilient leader, and to inspire resilience in your teams

The HBS Advantage

Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by 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

Linda A. Hill

Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Anthony Mayo

Thomas S. Murphy Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

The HBS Advantage: Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by 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

Linda A. Hill

Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Anthony Mayo

Thomas S. Murphy Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Apply Download Brochure

More Admissions Information

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, 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.

View In-Person Program Offering

Leadership Comparison Chart

Compare programs at-a-glance to find what's right for you.

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Leadership Comparison Chart

Compare programs at-a-glance to find what's right for you.

Learn More

View In-Person Program Offering

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Related Programs

Explore All Programs Download Program Calendar

Explore All Programs Application PDF

High Potentials Leadership Program—Virtual

Summary

Summary

DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

Foster the right leadership qualities in yourself and othersFoster the right leadership qualities in yourself and others Dropdown down

Expand your contribution through stronger leadershipExpand your contribution through stronger leadership Dropdown down

Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network Dropdown down

Foster the right leadership qualities in yourself and others

Expand your contribution through stronger leadership

Expand your personal and professional network

Who Should Attend

Leaders in Virtual Learning

Leaders in Virtual Learning

Admissions Criteria and Process

To apply, you will submit:

Answering Your Questions

Letter of Reference

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

To apply, you will submit:

Answering Your Questions

Letter of Reference

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

What You Will Learn

Program Format

Program Format

Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All

Choosing your leadership styleChoosing your leadership style Dropdown down

Leading teamsLeading teams Dropdown down

Expressing yourself effectivelyExpressing yourself effectively Dropdown down

Managing networksManaging networks Dropdown down

Developing talent and leadershipDeveloping talent and leadership Dropdown down

Choosing your leadership style

Leading teams

Expressing yourself effectively

Managing networks

Developing talent and leadership

Special Program FeaturesExpand AllCollapse All

Pre-program assessmentsPre-program assessments Dropdown down

Coaching conversationsCoaching conversations Dropdown down

Resilience workshopResilience workshop Dropdown down

Pre-program assessments

Coaching conversations

Resilience workshop

The HBS Advantage

The HBS Advantage

Limited Availability

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Foster the right leadership qualities in yourself and others Foster the right leadership qualities in yourself and others

Expand your contribution through stronger leadership Expand your contribution through stronger leadership

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Choosing your leadership style Choosing your leadership style

Leading teams Leading teams

Expressing yourself effectively Expressing yourself effectively

Managing networks Managing networks

Developing talent and leadership Developing talent and leadership

Special Program FeaturesExpand All Collapse All

Pre-program assessments Pre-program assessments

Coaching conversations Coaching conversations

Resilience workshop Resilience workshop