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Aspiring Leader Program (500926)

About the Program

The Aspiring Leader Program, conducted by the Graduate School, USDA, prepares federal employees for positions as team leaders, supervisors and managers. The program is designed to strengthen basic competencies in oral and written communication, problem solving, leadership, interpersonal skills, self-direction, flexibility, customer service, and decisiveness.

The training requires participants to be away from their position for a minimum of 20 days over a three month period. The program components include:

  1. Three 5-day residential sessions
  2. A team project that involves the design and delivery of a one-hour presentation on a management related topic
  3. An individual needs assessment (covering Leadership Effectiveness Inventory (LEI) and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
  4. Formulation of a leadership development plan
  5. A one-week assignment "shadowing" a federal manager
  6. One-on-one interviews with federal managers
  7. The reading and preparation of a written review of two books on management issues

Participant Objectives

Strengthen basic competencies in team and managerial skills so that they can excel in their current job and be competitive for promotion opportunities.

Eligibility

Full time permanent employees at the GS 4-6, WG 5-11, WL 1-14, and WS 1-8 levels, who are motivated self-starters, and desire to acquire the skills they need to work well in a team environment.

Course Dates

15 April 2013-24 May 2013 (Application Deadline 31 Jan 2013)

8 July 2013-16 August 2013 (Application Deadline 31 Jan 2013)

Application Procedures

To apply:

  1. Coordinate with your Training Officer or ESO to submit an Electronic Training Request (ETR) using Direct Access. Course code: 500926.
  2. Complete a Grad School Application Form, which includes statements from the applicant and their supervisor.
  3. Submit a current OF-612, resume, or equivalent documentation, signed and dated by the applicant showing current home address.
  4. Include a letter of nomination in CG memo format from the commanding officer at field units or appropriate office/division chief for HQ, Area, MLC, or District staffs.
  5. Scan the documents (in paragraphs 2-4 above) into a pdf file and send as an e-mail attachment HQS-SMB-CG-133TrainingCourses@uscg.mil. Include the course title within the subject line of the e-mail.

Costs are paid by Coast Guard Headquarters (AFC 56 "C" school account).

Selection Procedures
  1. A selection panel will review the documents of all eligible applicants. 
  2. Selected individuals will be notified by record message traffic of their selection. 
  3. Alternates will be selected and will attend the program in the event a primary candidate cannot attend.
  4. Selected individuals will be directed to submit a completed SF 182, including the signed Continued Service Agreement (pages 4-5 of the SF 182).

More Information

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Last Modified 1/10/2013