Leadership & Career Development Courses

Living Leadership - The Executive Excellence Program

Program Structure

The Living Leadership program includes 31 classroom days and 9 Action Learning days over an 18 month period.

Classroom
Classroom sessions are used to present leadership theories in the context of the program themes and serve as an opportunity for participants to engage each other, subject matter experts, and guest resources.
                                               
Action Learning groups
Participants belong to Action Learning Groups, of five to six members, that remain intact for the duration of the program. The groups meet for one full day every four to six weeks to provide participants with support and guidance for Personal Stretch Projects. A facilitator/coach helps the groups master the Action Learning process while they build their learning and coaching competence.
                                                                       
Site visits
Live Case site visits provide in-person contact with various stakeholders, allowing participants an opportunity to expand their learning in advance of presenting their recommendations. Site visits vary in length from two hours to a full day.

Reflection exercises
Participants complete five reflection exercises to help synthesize learning and establish links between their experiences in the program and their experiences in the workplace.

One-on-one learning coach  
Action Learning Group facilitators also play the role of  Learning Coach. The Learning Coach meets one-on-one with each participant for one hour every three months to review the learning process and reflection exercises, and help transfer learning to the workplace.

Wellness coaching
Recent studies show a clear link between the physical wellness of executives and their ability to handle stress. In addition to receiving ongoing wellness coaching, participants have access to a comprehensive health screening that will help them establish a personal wellness action plan. This component of the program also stresses the role leaders can play in improving the well-being of their employees.

Pre and post 360 degree feedback
Living Leadership has developed its own 360 degree feedback instrument based on the 17 leadership characteristics that form the foundation of the program. These characteristics, developed through consultation with Deputy and Assistant Deputy Ministers, have been cross-walked with the Public Service leadership competencies.

Sponsor and alumni support
Participants are required to obtain the support of a departmental sponsor to ensure that adequate time is allotted to participate in all of the program’s components. The sponsor may also assist in defining the parameters of the Personal Stretch Project. Participants are also encouraged to keep sponsors informed of progress made, insights gained, and the ways that acquired leadership skills can be applied to departmental objectives.

After finishing the course, participants become part of our extended family as alumni. The purpose of alumni support is to ensure the continued relevance of the program to public service executives as well as to broaden networking opportunities.