Program Design

Every two years, up to fifteen new participants are selected for participation in the Program, which is designed to develop leadership and managerial skills according to agency and individual needs. The Program consists of an orientation, training, assignments, evaluation, and certification.

Orientation

A one-week orientation is held to explain the program requirements, policies, expectations, and opportunities to the selected participants. Orientation focuses on individual development needs and the preparation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP), team-building, establishing a mentoring relationship, leadership needs of the NIH, and on the culture of the NIH.

During orientation, participants will use assessment tools to determine their managerial styles and to identify elements for improvement. The assessment will provide a foundation for the creation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).

Participants will consult with their mentors to prepare an IDP, which will guide their development activities throughout the Program. The initial IDP will be delivered to the Program Manager within one month of the completion of orientation. The IDP is a work-in-progress and will be revised by the participant and reviewed by the Program Manager. The IDP will be updated as the mentor and participant work together to identify specific goals. IDPs may include brief "shadow" assignments, reading assignments, work details, training, and participation in academic programs and meetings of professional organizations.

Training

A minimum of eighty hours of supervisory training and advanced management competency courses will be completed during the course of the Program. Taking part in conferences, workshops, seminars, discussion groups, and/or NIH Training and Development Branch or other formal training classes will help participants reach the goals set forth in their IDPs.

Assignments

Participants will complete at least one managerial assignment, for a minimum of thirty days, during the first year of the Program. Additional assignments for some participants may be appropriate, based their IDPs. The assignment supervisor provides evaluation and feedback to the participant and to his or her supervisor of record.

Evaluation

During their first year in the MCP, participants' Employee Performance Plans will include an additional non-critical element to evaluate their performance in the Program. Supervisors will seek input from mentors and training assignment supervisors to complete the evaluation of this element.

Certification

Participants who complete all requirements of the Program will receive a certificate of completion. Although it is expected that participants will use their own initiative to seek leadership positions, a list of MCP graduates will be maintained and distributed periodically to all IC Directors, Executive Officers, Division Directors, and Branch Chiefs by the Program Manager to assure awareness and consideration for possible placement in leadership positions.

Graduates are encouraged to continue to receive periodic training and developmental assignments in order to maintain their new skills and further enhance their qualifications for NIH leadership positions.