LDS Program Information

Program Curriculum 

Executives can expect an integrated mix of lecture and discussion; exercises and simulations; assessment instruments and self-discovery activities; individual presentations, reflection, and introspection; readings, case studies, audio and video materials, guest speakers, and field experiences. To successfully complete the program and receive a certificate of completion, participants must actively engage in all sessions equal to 160 hours, complete several short-written assignments and give at least two presentations.

The LDS program challenges executives to critically assess their self-awareness, gain actionable knowledge, and practice various concepts and models. This knowledge and practice set the participant on the path to implement their knowledge and insights and move toward skilled leader performance following the LDS program.

During the program each participant will complete two Leadership Challenge action-learning projects. These projects requires participants to integrate and apply the learning they acquire from across the LDS curriculum to address a significant challenge facing their organization.  To be successful, participants will develop a practical plan to address the challenge as well as an associated plan for their own professional development. The Leadership Challenge is intended to aid participants in determining how and where they will lead their organization in the future. It also offers the host agency/organization with a rich return on its investment for sending an executive to the LDS program.

Faculty

The faculty consists of a diverse mixture of scholars and practitioners. They are selected base on a combination of their expertise, experience, education, and passion for public service. They possess a myriad of credentials in a variety of disciplines to include, but not limited to, leadership development, human capital management, education, political science, behavioral science, international affairs, public administration, and adult education. Many also possess practical experience exercising leadership in the public, private, and/or not-for-profit sectors.

Class Size

Most LDS programs have between 40 and 81 executives. Executives are grouped into small teams called Leadership Development Teams (LDTs). Each LDT is comprised of six to nine executives that is guided by a faculty facilitator.

Pre-Start Information and Assignments

Approximately three weeks prior to the start of the program, you will receive an email with preliminary information and pre-arrival assignments, including a weekly schedule. (Sample weekly schedules for each program format are available upon request).

The pre-start assignments include approximately two and a half hours of activity including updating your CLD Central - cldcentral.usalearning.net user profile, reading an article, and several profile assessments (including one 360 assessment).

Additional pre-arrival information will be accessible via our CLD Central online learning management system.

In addition to the pre-arrival assignments, your Leadership Development Team (LDT) facilitator will email you to schedule a 30–45-minute telephone call to receive additional information and to answer many of your questions.

For Programs in Residence at FEI

Computer Requirement

All executives must bring a laptop, tablet, or similar device. The device must be capable of accessing a public wireless network. Federal employees with high security features on their government issued laptops may experience difficulties accessing a public (exclusive to the FEI campus) network. Each room aboard campus is equipped with Ethernet and wireless internet access.

Please refer to the Technology and Wi-Fi section for more information.

Arriving at FEI

When first entering the campus, you be stopped at the FEI Welcome Center where a Security Guard will confirm your identity. (See the Security section for more information)

After clearing the security check, you will proceed to the Main Building. Park in the spaces along the front circle, and then enter the building through the main entrance under the draped flags. After registering and receiving your guest room key, you are free to relax and unpack before the opening session commences.

If your travel plans necessitate early or late arrival, please notify the Program Coordinator and your small-group facilitator so alternate check-in arrangements can be made for you.

Guest Rooms

All executives are required to stay on campus for the duration of the program. This approach to lodging is designed to foster extracurricular discussions and shared learning. You will receive your room assignment when you check-in on the first day of the program. (See Guest Rooms and Services section for more information)

Meals and Dining

All meals are provided. Executives receive three meals a day except for day one (when only dinner is provided) and the final day (when only breakfast and lunch are provided). During the program, meals are served in the Rotunda Dining Room on the lower level of the Main Building.

There are times during the program when participants can elect to eat off-campus. The decision to eat off-campus is solely the participants and at the participant’s expense. FEI will not fund off-campus meals or refund the cost of meals not eaten on campus. Please note some agencies do not reimburse participants for meals they elect to eat off-campus. Check with your agency/organization to determine its reimbursement policy. (See the Dining section for more information)

Food Preferences and Accommodations

Please let us know of any special needs or accommodations when updating your CLD Central user profile. Participants with special dietary requirements are also asked to contact us prior to their arrival.

Daily Schedule

While the atmosphere is informal, the curriculum is rigorous. During a typical day participants are actively engaged in classes from 8:15-12:00 pm, from 2:30-5:00 pm, and occasionally from 7:00-8:45 pm. Fitness classes are also offered each morning from Monday to Friday from 6:00-6:45 am.  The period from lunch to the resumption of afternoon classes is reserved for study, reading, reflection, and work on various projects. 

Health and Wellness Program

The Health and Wellness Program is another distinctive feature that helps executives balance career and health. Beginning with a Health Risk Appraisal, personal data, a physical screening, and presentations on health risks, nutrition, and stress management is provided to each participant. Optional daily fitness and walking sessions, as well as nutritional information on daily menus, support executives living a healthy life.

Commencement

The LDS program concludes with a commencement ceremony on the last day of the program. Attire for this formal event is Business attire. Guests are invited to attend via Zoom.

The ceremony is scheduled so executives can safely travel back to their home station. However, transportation to air and rail sites is not provided. Participants are responsible for scheduling their own travel to and from the FEI campus in accordance with the program overview schedule.