Leading as an LGBTQ+ Executive
What You Will Learn
Through faculty presentations, interactive simulations, and small-group discussions, you will explore diverse aspects of leadership, management, and organizational behavior. The program will feature new cases, as well as in-person visits by US Senator Tammy Baldwin, actress Anna Deavere Smith, and designer Debbie Millman, with a focus on authentic storytelling and the evolving landscape of difference and inclusion. As you draw insights from timely research, you will discover how other LGBTQ+ leaders have navigated their careers.
As an LGBTQ+ leader, you may have few people in your organization who understand the unique perspective you bring, as well as the particular obstacles you face. In this program, you will have the opportunity to meet an exceptional group of peers with whom you can share your challenges and opportunities as an LGBTQ+ leader.
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What You Will Learn
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Through faculty presentations, interactive simulations, and small-group discussions, you will explore diverse aspects of leadership, management, and organizational behavior. The program will feature new cases, as well as in-person visits by US Senator Tammy Baldwin, actress Anna Deavere Smith, and designer Debbie Millman, with a focus on authentic storytelling and the evolving landscape of difference and inclusion. As you draw insights from timely research, you will discover how other LGBTQ+ leaders have navigated their careers.
As an LGBTQ+ leader, you may have few people in your organization who understand the unique perspective you bring, as well as the particular obstacles you face. In this program, you will have the opportunity to meet an exceptional group of peers with whom you can share your challenges and opportunities as an LGBTQ+ leader.
Program Format
This program comprises two modules:
Module 1: In-Person (HBS Campus)
You and your peers will have an opportunity for extensive in-person interaction with one another, with faculty, and with guest speakers. At the conclusion of Module 1, you will return to work where you will complete a self-assessment and apply your new insights in your day-to-day work.
Module 2: Virtual (Live Online)
Shifting to a virtual format, you will rejoin your peers to reflect on how you have applied your learning and bring your questions to the group. You will continue learning from faculty presentations and case studies while also benefiting from online exercises. This virtual module will consist of two fully packed half-day sessions over the Zoom platform. You should expect to spend an additional 2-3 hours preparing for each day’s classes.
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 in the class and in small groups.
-
Program Format
-
This program comprises two modules:
Module 1: In-Person (HBS Campus)
You and your peers will have an opportunity for extensive in-person interaction with one another, with faculty, and with guest speakers. At the conclusion of Module 1, you will return to work where you will complete a self-assessment and apply your new insights in your day-to-day work.
Module 2: Virtual (Live Online)
Shifting to a virtual format, you will rejoin your peers to reflect on how you have applied your learning and bring your questions to the group. You will continue learning from faculty presentations and case studies while also benefiting from online exercises. This virtual module will consist of two fully packed half-day sessions over the Zoom platform. You should expect to spend an additional 2-3 hours preparing for each day’s classes.
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 in the class and in small groups.
Key TopicsCollapse All
The LGBTQ+ big pictureThe LGBTQ+ big picture
- Exploring demographics, law, and business representation around the world
- Advancing inclusive government policies and priorities
Your identity, your life, and your leadershipYour identity, your life, and your leadership
- Coming out and connecting with your identity at different stages of life
- Deciding how to tell your story
- Designing a more meaningful life and career
- Managing work/life balance
Your unique approach to personal leadershipYour unique approach to personal leadership
- Drawing strength and confidence from your identity
- Articulating your values and purpose and leading from your authentic self
- Developing and projecting empathy
- Building or rebuilding trust
Fostering inclusion, motivating employees, and boosting organizational performanceFostering inclusion, motivating employees, and boosting organizational performance
- Gaining insights from the latest DEI research and what it means for LGBTQ+ leaders
- Implementing effective DEI efforts while managing risk
- Progressing from diversity to genuine inclusion
- Communicating vision and strategy and inspiring others to do their best work
- Developing employees while holding them accountable
- Modeling inclusion: encouraging and appreciating authenticity in others, celebrating differences, and welcoming diverse perspectives
- Building the LGBTQ+ talent pipeline
Thriving and leading in complex organizationsThriving and leading in complex organizations
- Understanding and managing organizational politics—from large and established to startups and high-growth organizations
- Managing transparency: deciding how and when to share information
- Developing internal networks and finding allies
- Building mentoring relationships—up, down, and sideways—and fostering others' growth
- Improving collaboration at every level
