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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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 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 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 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.
H a r v a r d | B u s i n e s s | S c h o o lExecutive Education
