New Directors Program
The New Directors Program (NDP) provides an opportunity for new executives to better understand their role as a director within the Government of Canada. The program's aim is to equip new executives with the skills they need to effectively lead in today's work environment.
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About the program
The New Directors Program is being offered exclusively as a virtual edition.
The Insights psychometric assessment is a registration prerequisite to the New Directors Program.
As of April 1, 2024, departments are responsible for their learners' assessments.
Consult the page Frequently asked questions about the New Directors Program to learn more.
The New Directors Program provides an opportunity for new executives to better understand their role as a director within the Government of Canada. The program's aim is to equip new executives with the skills they need to effectively lead in today's work environment. Participants will explore a variety of leadership topics to help them navigate complexities, be resilient and adaptable in times of change, and enhance their key leadership competencies as a new executive.
Topics include:
- understanding the director's role in modern government systems and processes, including the new digital standards and what is required to lead into the future
- strengthening self-awareness and the skills to build resilience, lead, engage and collaborate
- exploring the director's role in creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace
- developing leadership agility and capacity to navigate complexity
The New Directors Program is cohort-based and comprised of eight modules and two events, taking place over a period up to three months. These modules include virtual learning sessions, independent and group work, pre-course work, a psychometric self-assessment, and participation in a 360-degree feedback process. Throughout the program, participants will also engage in peer coaching sessions and leadership group discussions.
Timeline
Weeks 1 to 4: The Director in You
This block is focused on inward leadership, self-reflection, and the unique competencies participants bring to the role of an executive. Participants will learn more about the realities of the executive role and explore how their personal preferences affect their leadership style. Participants will also assess their own capacity for resilience and identify strategies to manage the stress and expectations associated with their new role. Finally, participants will apply peer coaching techniques to gain new perspectives on challenges they may be facing in their role as director.
- Module 1: Insights into the Executive Cadre
- Module 2: Stress Management and Resiliency
- Module 3: Coaching and Leadership
- Module 4: Peer Coaching
Weeks 5 to 9: The Director in the Organization
This block focuses on drawing out the skills of an executive and preparing them to lead into the future. Participants will continue to develop their key leadership competencies with a focus on the human element of leadership and being an agile and inclusive leader. Participants will also explore pressing issues that will shape Canada into the future and the leadership competencies required to address them head on.
- Module 5: Strategic Management
- Module 6: Inclusive Leadership
- Module 7: Leading with Agility
- Event 1: Indigenous Leadership Teachings
- Event 2: Leading into the Future
Week 10: Program Closing
During the final module of the program, learners will share their leadership reflection and conclude the program.
- Module 8: Continuing the Journey
360° feedback assessment
The Public Service Commission's Personnel Psychology Centre (PPC) offers a 360° feedback tool that presents a unique opportunity for personal development and self-reflection through meaningful insight into how others perceive your leadership competencies, and how these perceptions compare to your own self-perception.
Each participant of the New Director's Program will be given the opportunity to complete the PPC's 360° feedback assessment. The 360° debriefs will begin during the program and may continue post-program depending on availability and scheduling compatibilities.
Learn more about the PPC's 360° feedback instruments and services.
Eligibility
To qualify, participants must either:
- occupy a director position (EX-01 or equivalent) and have less than 18 months' experience
- be acting in a director position (EX-01 or equivalent) for a minimum of 6 consecutive months
- have a valid Insights Discovery® assessment
How to register
If you are an eligible participant for the New Directors Program, please contact your departmental mandatory training coordinator to submit your name for participation in the program.
Frequently asked questions
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