About the LEAD Program

Program Eligibilty

All applicants must meet each of the following requirements:

1. A current employee of the Agricultural Research Service with a minimum of one year in the Agency
2. Grade GS-11 or above.
3. A Superior or above rating on the most recent ARS performance appraisal.

Application

1. Potential applicants should discuss their interest in the LEAD Program with their supervisor.
2. Obtain a LEAD program application from this web site.
3. Applicant, Supervisor, and Division Director or Area Administrative Officer complete the application.
4. Send the application, the Participant's Agreement and the most recent performance appraisal to the program manager.

Program Components

• Formal Training Courses
• USDA, OPM, or other special leadership courses.

• Developmental Assignments
• A variety of developmental assignments designed to enhance leadership competencies and knowledge of the organization.

• Mentoring Program
• Participants will be assigned a mentor during various stages of their development.

• Shadowing
• Each participant will shadow at least three managers, one from AFM Headquarters, one from an Area, and one from a location office.

• Self Development
• Reading, participation in professional organizations, conferences, and workshops, Toastmasters, and community activities.

• Congressional Briefing Conference
• Participants must attend the 3-4 day Congressional Briefing Program.

• Evaluation
• Conducted by special panels.

Responsibilities

The AFM LEAD program is a continuous road to excellence in leadership. Over the course of development, particularly if entry into the program is at the GS-11 level, participants will spend significant amounts of time away from their normal duties and duty station. Participants will need to work closely with supervisors to schedule developmental experiences during times that will minimize disruptions in the normal work flow of the organization.

Mobility

Career development often requires mobility, the willingness to permanently move from one duty location to another. For example, a Location Administrative Officer who desires to become an AAO must be willing to move to an Area Office. This is an important aspect of leadership development and should be carefully considered before applying to the program.

Advancement

Participation in the LEAD program is not a guarantee of promotion. The program will help individuals develop their skills and abilities and place them in a better position to compete for advancement.

Last Updated: 10/13/2004