Federal government professionals enrolled in this two-day intensive workshop gain critical tools to craft compelling Executive Core Qualification (ECQ) statements, identify their most significant leadership accomplishments, and develop persuasive narratives using the Challenge, Context, Action, Result (CCAR) model required by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
This comprehensive program covers the Senior Executive Service (SES), including its history, fundamental role, and the policies governing SES membership. You will explore career advancement strategies to prepare for SES candidacy, identify and close competency gaps, understand Executive Core Competencies, and learn how the executive resume and technical qualifications combine into a competitive SES package. The course teaches you to develop compelling ECQ stories and present them effectively, with opportunities to draft and refine one story using the OPM model with peer feedback. You will also learn proven strategies for succeeding in the executive-level interview process.
Target Audience:
This course is specifically designed for aspiring SES candidates within the Federal Government seeking to advance into executive leadership roles.
Course Components:
- Two days of live, project-based training delivered by experienced professionals
- Proprietary workbook included for notes and reference materials
- Verified digital certificate documenting course completion
- Training delivered through an accredited educational institution
- Professional development credit: 1.2 CEUs
- Small class sizes allowing individualized attention and feedback
Essential Learning Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Senior Executive Service and its structure
- Examine all five Executive Core Qualifications in depth
- Analyze the SES application and selection process
- Evaluate the quality and competitiveness of your written materials
Comprehensive Course Syllabus:
Module 1: Understanding ECQs and Leadership Competencies
- Master the purpose and structure of OPM's five ECQs
- Review all 28 leadership competencies and their alignment to ECQs
- Explore how ECQs are utilized in the SES selection and qualification process
- Identify your professional accomplishments that align with SES leadership standards
Module 2: Leading Change
- Examine the six competencies within the Leading Change ECQ, including Vision and Strategic Thinking
- Identify examples demonstrating strategic leadership and organizational transformation
- Draft accomplishment narratives specifically addressing the Leading Change ECQ
Module 3: Leading People
- Explore competencies including Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, and Team Building
- Reflect on your inclusive leadership and staff development experiences
- Apply these competencies in constructing compelling ECQ examples
Module 4: Results-Driven Leadership
- Define accountability, customer service excellence, problem-solving, and decisiveness in executive contexts
- Compose narratives that showcase measurable outcomes and demonstrable leadership impact
- Use quantifiable data and concrete results to illustrate leadership accomplishments
Module 5: Demonstrating Business Acumen
- Demonstrate leadership capability in financial management, human capital strategy, and technology governance
- Identify examples of resource alignment and strategic planning from your career
- Highlight how you integrate business practices with organizational mission delivery
Module 6: Building Coalitions and Strategic Partnerships
- Use examples of partnership development, political awareness, and skilled negotiation
- Describe your experience leading cross-organizational collaboration and strategic alliances
- Highlight stakeholder engagement efforts supporting mission accomplishment
Module 7: Mastering the CCAR Writing Model
- Apply the Challenge, Context, Action, Result writing framework to construct narratives
- Deconstruct and draft CCAR-based ECQ statements
- Transform outlines into compelling, well-structured leadership narratives
Module 8: Drafting Your Complete ECQ Statements
- Write comprehensive ECQ narratives structured using the CCAR format
- Incorporate relevant competencies and demonstrate clear leadership actions
- Refine your drafts based on peer and instructor feedback for maximum impact
This course is available for "remote" learning and will be available to anyone with access to an internet device with a microphone (this includes most models of computers, tablets). Classes will take place with a "Live" instructor at the date/times listed below.
Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class.
