The program schedule for the General Management Program beginning 02 AUG 2021 has been updated as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Module 2, originally scheduled to take place in-person, will now be held virtually from 07 SEP-01 OCT 2021. If you have any questions, please contact executive_education@hbs.edu.
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.
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
GMP's four highly integrated modules are designed to broaden your business perspective,
management expertise, and leadership skills. You will learn how to identify, frame,
and solve complex business problems; build cooperation among disciplines; and drive
innovation and organizational change.
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:
GMP's four highly integrated modules are designed to broaden your business perspective,
management expertise, and leadership skills. You will learn how to identify, frame,
and solve complex business problems; build cooperation among disciplines; and drive
innovation and organizational change.
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
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
Global Perspective
Experience the world in your classroom.
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=7
Top Industries Represented
Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=8
Executive Status
Levels from CEO
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=9
Education
Highest level attained
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=10
Experience
Years worked
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=11
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
Global Perspective
Experience the world in your classroom.
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=7
Top Industries Represented
Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=8
Executive Status
Levels from CEO
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=9
Education
Highest level attained
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=10
Experience
Years worked
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=11
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.
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.
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.
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
Classes during Modules 2 and 4 are held six days a week. Your active participation
in all classroom sessions, case discussions, and other program activities is essential.
You must be free of other responsibilities during the full-time modules. Residency
on campus is required for Module 4.
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, and case materials, as well as accommodations
and most meals for the on-campus module. 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
Classes during Modules 2 and 4 are held six days a week. Your active participation
in all classroom sessions, case discussions, and other program activities is essential.
You must be free of other responsibilities during the full-time modules. Residency
on campus is required for Module 4.
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, and case materials, as well as accommodations
and most meals for the on-campus module. 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, 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.
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.
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.
Format: Virtual, live online learning (3 to 4 weeks, full-time)*
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
*A typical day for the virtual Module 2 will have two live online classroom sessions
each morning (ET), and one afternoon session (ET) in a range of formats—guest speakers,
group work, and networking. The virtual, live online Module 2 is a full-time commitment.
Two daily morning class session will run from 8:30 AM-10:00 AM ET and 10:45 AM-12:15
PM ET (Monday-Saturday) in the HBS Live Online Classroom
The third class session will vary but typically run from 1:30 PM-3:00 PM ET (Monday-Saturday)
on the Zoom platform
Faculty office hours, coaching, case study preparation, and virtual discussion groups
will take place outside of the sessions referenced above
Format: On the HBS campus (3 to 4 weeks, full-time)
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 living group and finalize your personal action
plan
Module 2: Broaden your perspective and elevate your expertise
Format: Virtual, live online learning (3 to 4 weeks, full-time)*
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
*A typical day for the virtual Module 2 will have two live online classroom sessions
each morning (ET), and one afternoon session (ET) in a range of formats—guest speakers,
group work, and networking. The virtual, live online Module 2 is a full-time commitment.
Two daily morning class session will run from 8:30 AM-10:00 AM ET and 10:45 AM-12:15
PM ET (Monday-Saturday) in the HBS Live Online Classroom
The third class session will vary but typically run from 1:30 PM-3:00 PM ET (Monday-Saturday)
on the Zoom platform
Faculty office hours, coaching, case study preparation, and virtual discussion groups
will take place outside of the sessions referenced above
Format: On the HBS campus (3 to 4 weeks, full-time)
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 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. 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. At that time, your learning group will become your living group. 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
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 / virtual
discussion 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. 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
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 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.
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. At that time, your learning group will become your living group. 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 the first and third weeks of the program, your living group / virtual
discussion 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.
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.
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
