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Self-Paced Online
Session Date-Application DeadlineProgram Fee$1995Faculty ChairProgram Director
View the schedule and group assignments for each module.
This is a registration-based program. There is no application or admissions process. Registration-based programs offer a certificate of completion but do not qualify toward Executive Certificates and do not offer alumni status.
You must complete all program components, including the live sessions and assignments, to receive a certificate of completion.
Faculty Live Sessions:
- Tuesday, May 26
- Monday, June 15
Group Enrollment: Tuition discounts are available for groups of five or more. Learn more here.
The HKS Access Advantage
Leading People, Building Teams is offered through HKS Access: Flexible Programs for Professional Results.
- Learn on your own schedule with self-paced modules
- Experience live sessions and rigorous curriculum designed and taught by Harvard faculty
- Certificate of completion after all program components are completed
- No application required; simply register and get ready to learn
Program Overview
The shift from an individual contributor to a manager is one of the most pivotal transitions in a career, and those managerial promotions are often rewarded without the training needed to effectively lead a team. Leading People, Building Teams is an online program that builds these skills so you can be the manager your team needs. You’ll leave this program leading with confidence, empowered with the tools to support your team to meet your company’s goals, advance your own career as a manager, and a strengthened capacity for your organization to coach and retain talent.
This engaging and largely self-paced program is chaired by Dr. Nathalie Laidler-Kylander who brings decades of experience as a team leader across multiple sectors. Her expertise will help you craft an implementation plan to bring back to your role and equip you with skills needed to succeed as a new manager.
Organizations can’t thrive without strong managers, and this program is designed to specifically address that challenge, preparing new managers with the skills needed for them, and their organization, to succeed.
Curriculum
Leading People, Building Teams is an interactive learning experience that combines group work with dynamic asynchronous sessions including a blend of video-based content, self-assessments, simulations, and case studies.
This flexible program consists of three modules:
Module 1: Personal Leadership
Discover and examine your strengths as a leader, empowering you to lead and support leadership from a place of authenticity and self-awareness.
Module 2: People Leadership
Study talent management frameworks and acquire tangible skills for hiring, developing, and coaching your direct reports, including how to tackle difficult conversations.
Module 3: Building Teams
Learn practical approaches to overcoming barriers that reduce team effectiveness, such as groupthink, to create and lead high-performing teams.
In addition to the self-paced content, you'll work alongside peers in three group sessions to complete case studies and simulations. These sessions will allow you to collaborate with professionals navigating similar milestones and challenges and build a network of peers.
The program chair will also lead live sessions at the opening and closing of the program.
What Participants are Saying
"A truly transformative experience. It not only strengthened my leadership skills and broadened my perspective on team dynamics, but also equipped me with practical strategies and frameworks to confidently lead and foster high-performing teams.”
Recommended participants:
Ideal participants for this program include professionals in any sector who are:
- Preparing for future leadership positions to advance their career
- Transitioning, or are about to transition, from being an individual contributor to managing people and leading teams
- Currently managing people for the first time and eager to strengthen their people leadership and team-building skills
- Managers reflecting on their initial transition to management
- Managers supporting emerging leaders making their transition to management
To register, you'll need to complete a brief questionnaire to ensure readiness and fit.
Other registration requirements include:
- At least three years of work experience
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Access to a device with an internet connection
- Committing to five to seven hours per week of online learning for three weeks, including three self-organized group working sessions
- Committing to attend live faculty sessions
- In recognition that leaders are formed from a vast array of experiences, we have no specific educational requirements.
View the schedule and group assignments for each module.
- What is Leading People, Building Teams?
An interactive, online Harvard Kennedy School (HKS Access) program that develops personal leadership, people management, and high‑performing team skills for emerging and current managers. - How is the program delivered?
Through self‑paced online modules (videos, self‑assessments, simulations, case studies) combined with live Harvard faculty sessions and small‑group work. - What are the main curriculum modules?
Three modules: (1) Personal Leadership, (2) People Leadership (hiring, developing, coaching, difficult conversations), and (3) Building Teams (overcoming barriers like groupthink, leading high‑performing teams). - Who leads the program?
The program is chaired by Dr. Nathalie Laidler‑Kylander, an experienced cross‑sector leader who designed the curriculum around personal leadership, leading others, and building teams. - Who should enroll in this program?
Professionals in any sector who are preparing for leadership, transitioning from individual contributor to manager, newly managing people, or supporting emerging leaders through their first management roles. - What are the time commitment and requirements?
Expect 5-8 hours per week over three weeks, including three self-organized group sessions and attendance during live faculty sessions. Participation requirements include at least three years of work experience, English fluency, and a reliable internet-connected device. - Is there an application, and will I receive a certificate?
No formal application is required—just a short readiness questionnaire at registration—and a certificate of completion is awarded after all program components are completed.
Hear From the Program Chair
Program Chair Nathalie Laidler-Kylander discusses the new Leading People, Building Teams executive program.
Faculty & Research
Program Chair
Nathalie Laidler-Kylander
Harvard Faculty
Julie Battilana
Brittany Butler
Julia Minson
