• On Campus
    Session Date
    -
    Application Deadline
    Program Fee
    $11300
    Faculty Chair
    Timothy O'Brien
    Program Director
    Karen Morrissey
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    We are still accepting applications for the current session. Please contact the program director for additional information.

    New in 2026! Ron Heifetz's Adaptive Leadership: Practical Strategies for Change now included at no additional cost as an online pre-requisite module before arriving on-campus.

    Group Enrollment: Tuition discounts are available for groups of five or more. Learn more here.

    Program Fee: The program fee includes tuition, housing, curricular materials and most meals.
    Executive Certificate: This program is a core program in the Public Leadership concentration. This program can also be used as a third program for several concentrations in the Executive Certificate series.
    Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): This program aligns with one or more Executive Core Qualifications.

Program Overview

Highly interactive and experiential, Art and Practice of Leadership Development executive program is tailored for executive leadership development professionals from around the world, including leadership consultants, teachers, and trainers. During this one-week, on-campus program, you will work closely with our distinguished HKS leadership faculty team, led by Faculty Chair Tim O’Brien, to develop innovative leadership frameworks and teaching methods that address the unique demands of this work.

Beginning in 2026, the Adaptive Leadership: Practical Strategies for Change from Ron Heifetz will be added as a pre-requisite module to the on-campus program. Offered at no additional cost and to be completed prior to arriving in Cambridge, this online module is designed to help participants prepare for the on-campus experience and will provide the critical foundation for the in-person program. It extends participants’ learning beyond the classroom, providing flexible, practical tools to deepen adaptive leadership practice before, during, and after the on-campus experience.

Adaptive Leadership: Practical Strategies for Change is a self-paced online module that brings Ron Heifetz’s most influential leadership frameworks into a flexible format. Rooted in more than 40 years of research and practice, the module will introduce key tools, like how to identify complex challenges, and navigate change in real world settings. 

Through the online module, in person class discussions, participant cases, and small group work, Art and Practice of Leadership Development provides a powerful, reflective, and unique opportunity for those focused on developing the leadership capabilities of others.   

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Developed by Harvard Kennedy School faculty, Art and Practice of Leadership Development features a distinctive teaching pedagogy exploring:

  • Common assumptions about leadership and how they can restrict leadership development training methods
  • Organizational factors that either foster or hinder leadership development work
  • Distinctions between formal leadership training programs and broader personal growth experiences
  • The role of values, passion, and character in executive leadership courses
  • Ethical considerations when using hands-on or immersive learning for leadership development

Participants will each craft a case exploring a previous or ongoing leadership dilemma for peer consultation. These peer-led discussions—key to the executive leader development program—underscore the importance of diagnosing issues and tailoring leadership certification strategies to specific contexts.

Application Information

Art and Practice of Leadership Development is designed for experienced leadership development and consulting professionals from global organizations in the public, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.

Because the professional experience and expertise of the classroom participants is critical to the learning process, the cohort chosen will reflect a broad spectrum of perspectives and backgrounds, including:

  • Government training and development officers
  • Senior HR leaders championing leadership development training courses within corporate settings
  • Senior managers from nonprofit and grassroots community-building organizations delivering leadership training
  • University academics involved in leadership curricula, including leadership certification pathways
  • Consultants who guide clients in leadership training programs across multiple sectors

Immerse yourself with a cohort of fellow leaders on Harvard’s historic campus. View a sample program schedule. Note that module titles, speakers, and sequence may change.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

“I wanted to capitalize my professional experience with the most incredible school in the world. I also wanted to strengthen my leadership skills and experiences.”
Hasina Ranaivo, CEO, HARA Madagascar
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Faculty & Research

Timothy O'Brien Photo

Timothy O'Brien

Senior Lecturer in Public Policy

Farayi Chipungu Photo

Farayi Chipungu

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Ronald Heifetz Photo

Ronald Heifetz

King Hussein Bin Talal Senior Lecturer in Public Leadership

Hugh O'Doherty Photo

Hugh O'Doherty

Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy

Hear from the Faculty Chair

Timothy O'Brien discuss the upcoming Harvard Kennedy School executive program Art and Practice of Leadership Development.

 

You Are Here

2015 alumnus, Lloyd Denton heading to the polls in Istanbul for the historic Turkish Constitutional Referendum. Specializing in leadership development in Turkey and the Middle East for 15 years, Lloyd is seeing up-close how the turbulent climate is affecting his client base of senior executives and promising young leadership talents.

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