Purpose: Give any L&D strategist a complete, plug‑and‑play playbook to stand up a high‑impact leadership program across all levels, with ready‑to‑use tools, templates, and resources for each learning path.
0) Program-at-a-Glance
- Learning Paths (5): Emerging Leaders • Front‑Line Managers • Middle Management • Senior Leadership • High‑Potential (Hi‑Po) Acceleration
- Modalities (by path):
- Emerging: 60% eLearning; 30% ILT/VILT; 10% coaching
- Front-Line: 50% ILT; 30% eLearning; 20% coaching/peer
- Middle: 40% ILT; 30% coaching; 30% experiential
- Senior: 50% coaching; 30% experiential; 20% exec ed
- Hi‑Po: 60% experiential; 25% coaching; 15% formal
- Durations: 6 mo • 9 mo • 12 mo • 18 mo • 24 mo (capstone)
- Assessment: Baseline + endline 360; business impact projects; mentor/peer evals; competency‑based progression
- Pipeline: Succession mapping embedded; cohort gating criteria and progression rules
1) Governance & Operating Model
1.1 Program Charter (Template)
Use: Aligns scope, success metrics, governance.
Header: Program Name • Sponsor(s) • Steering Committee • Budget • Timeline • Cohorts per Year • Target Levels
Objectives (SMART):
- Improve manager effectiveness scores by __% in __ months
- Reduce regrettable turnover of key roles by __%
- Increase internal leadership promotions to __% of all leadership hires
Scope: Included/Excluded capabilities; geographies; languages
KPIs: Engagement; completion; promotion rate; time‑to‑competence; 360 deltas; cost‑to‑serve; ROI formula
RAID: Risks • Assumptions • Issues • Dependencies
Approvals: Sponsor • CHRO/CLO • Finance
1.2 Roles & RACI
- Executive Sponsor: strategic direction; unblockers
- Steering Committee: quarterly gates; funding; policy
- Program Director (L&D): design authority; vendor mgmt; data
- Path Leads (5): own curricula, faculty, cohort ops
- Cohort Manager: logistics, comms, LMS runs, attendance
- Faculty/Facilitators: delivery, grading, feedback
- Coaches/Mentors: 1:1s; triads; observation
- People Leaders (participants’ managers): workplace practice, project sponsorship
RACI Matrix (Template):
| Workstream | Sponsor | Steering | Program Dir | Path Lead | Cohort Mgr | HRBP | Finance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charter & Budget | A | C | R | C | I | C | A |
| Curriculum | C | I | A | R | I | C | I |
| Vendor selection | C | C | A/R | R | I | I | C |
| Measurement | C | I | A | R | I | C | C |
2) Competency Framework (Master Grid)
Clusters:
- Lead Self (self‑awareness, EQ, resilience)
- Lead Others (coaching, feedback, inclusion, delegation)
- Lead the Business (financial acumen, strategy, customer)
- Lead Change (innovation, transformation, influence)
- Lead Across (matrix, stakeholdering, enterprise mindset)
Proficiency Bands: Emerging • Front-Line • Middle • Senior • Hi‑Po (above‑band potential)
Matrix (Excerpt Template):
| Competency | Behavioral Indicators (by band) | Assessments | Learning Assets |
| Coaching | EL: GROW basics; FL: weekly 1:1 cadence; MM: managers‑of‑managers coaching; SL: coach enterprise leaders | 360 items 4,7,12; observation checklist | eLearn module, roleplay lab, coaching log template |
| Financial Literacy | EL: budget basics; FL: team budget; MM: P&L tradeoffs; SL: investor/board narrative | case study; quiz | finance for non‑fin leaders deck; P&L sandbox |
3) Path Design — Curricula, Kits & Schedules
Each path includes: admissions profile • curriculum map • learning assets • practice & transfer tools • assessment kit • manager enablement • comms • ops calendar.
3.1 Emerging Leaders (IC ➜ First‑Time Manager)
Admissions: top‑quartile performers; manager nomination; readiness interview; pre‑360
Curriculum Map (6 months):
- Month 1: Identity shift to manager; inclusive leadership basics
- Month 2: Delegation & prioritization; time mgmt; meeting facilitation
- Month 3: Feedback & 1:1s; fundamentals of performance mgmt
- Month 4: Coaching conversations; conflict basics; psychological safety
- Month 5: Cross‑functional collaboration; managing up; presentation lab
- Month 6: Team rituals; wrap‑up sprint; capstone micro‑project
Learning Assets:
- eLearning: Manager Mindset, Delegation 101, Feedback in the Flow (SCORM placeholder IDs)
- ILT Labs: Roleplay packs (difficult 1:1; prioritization standup)
- Tools: 1:1 agenda template • feedback planner • delegation contract • 90‑day team plan
- Manager Kit: observation checklist • reinforcement guide (6 nudges) • recognition cues
Assessment Kit: baseline/endline 360 (core items); knowledge checks; manager observation rubric; capstone graded via rubric (business outcome + behavior evidence)
Capstone (Template): Select a real team bottleneck; implement delegation + feedback loop; show metric shift (e.g., cycle time, CSAT) and lessons learned.
3.2 Front‑Line Managers (1–3 Years)
Admissions: completion of EL or equivalent; performance rating ≥ “strong”; sponsor letter
Curriculum (9 months):
- Quarter 1: Team development, goal setting (OKRs), inclusive dynamics & psych safety
- Quarter 2: Operational excellence (project mgmt, process improvement, quality)
- Quarter 3: Advanced conversations (crucial confrontations), storytelling, influence without authority
Assets:
- Workshops: OKRs that stick • Visual problem‑solving (A3) • Budget basics • Presentation for bigger rooms
- Peer Practice: manager circles (monthly); fishbowl feedback sessions
- Tools: OKR canvas • A3 problem‑solving template • budget tracker • difficult conversation script
Assessment: team health pulse, quality/efficiency KPIs, goal attainment, presentation graded by rubric.
Applied Project: Run a 12‑week process improvement; quantify cost/defect/time impact.
3.3 Middle Management (Managing Managers)
Admissions: manages managers; 360 readiness; sponsor commits to enterprise project
Curriculum (12 months):
- Strands: Strategic thinking & financials • Organizational leadership • Advanced people development
- Key Modules: Strategy to execution; market/competitor analysis; change & innovation; matrix navigation; stakeholder mgmt; succession & bench strength
Assets:
- Exec Ed Seminars: strategy, financial literacy, innovation
- Coaching: monthly 1:1 (ICF‑aligned); quarterly stakeholder review
- Experiential: cross‑functional enterprise project with CFO/COO advisor
Tools: Strategy “logic tree” • stakeholder map • risk/mitigation planner • succession slate template • 9‑box + readiness grid • mentoring program playbook
Assessment: 360 (expanded set), project ROI, succession coverage delta, stakeholder NPS.
Enterprise Project (Template): Build business case to improve margin or growth; include P&L impact, change plan, and risks; present to SteerCo.
3.4 Senior Leadership (VPs & C‑Suite)
Admissions: executive nomination; business unit P&L accountability; coach readiness
Curriculum (18 months):
- Executive Presence & Vision: narrative architecture, media prep, board‑readiness
- Organizational Strategy: digital transformation, M&A, global leadership, sustainability
- Stakeholder Leadership: board/CEO relations, investor & customer forums, crisis labs
Assets:
- 1:1 Executive Coaching (bi‑weekly)
- Peer Advisory Board (quarterly): hot‑seat cases
- Experiential: crisis simulation; investor day rehearsal; strategy offsite facilitation
Tools: Board deck template • investor narrative canvas • crisis comms playbook • ESG scorecard • transformation roadmap
Assessment: 360 (exec) + board/CEO feedback; media simulation scoring; business KPI shifts on transformation plan.
3.5 High‑Potential (Cross‑Level) Acceleration
Admissions: Hi‑Po criteria (matrix provided); talent review; potential indicators (learning agility, systems thinking)
Program (24 months): rotations + stretch assignments, exec shadowing, innovation labs, business case competitions, external networking
Assets:
- Rotations menu & sponsor guide • shadowing log • innovation lab charter • capstone business case template • industry events tracker
Assessment: potential reassessment; promotion velocity; business case outcomes; network breadth.
4) Measurement & Analytics
4.1 Evaluation Stack
- Level 1: Experience (session Rxs, NPS)
- Level 2: Learning (knowledge checks; performance tasks)
- Level 3: Behavior (manager observation; system signals—1:1 cadence, OKR quality)
- Level 4: Results (KPIs: retention, promotion, quality, cost, revenue, safety, CX)
4.2 KPI Dashboard (Design Spec)
Views: Executive (ROI, pipeline), HR (succession coverage, DEI), Path Lead (progress & risk), Finance (budget, cost/participant)
Core Metrics:
- Completion rate, on‑time rate
- 360 delta by competency
- Internal promotion rate to leadership roles
- Time‑to‑competence vs. baseline
- Team outcomes (OKR attainment, quality/throughput)
- Regrettable attrition (leaders & teams)
- Cost to serve, ROI approximation
ROI Estimator (Worksheet Template):
- Benefits: ($ saved from attrition ↓) + ($ productivity ↑) + ($ quality/defect ↓) + ($ faster ramp) – Costs (vendor + internal + time)
5) Toolkits & Templates Library
5.1 Admissions & Cohort Ops
- Nomination Form (manager + HRBP + diversity statement)
- Selection Matrix (criteria weights: performance, potential, role criticality, representation goals)
- Cohort Roster & Attendance Tracker
- Cohort Calendar (sample 6/9/12/18/24‑month calendars provided)
- Participant Agreement (time investment, confidentiality, code of conduct)
- Manager Contract (reinforcement cadence & observation duties)
5.2 Learning Design
- Journey Map (per path) with touchpoints and transfer activities
- Syllabus Template (objectives, readings, prework, practice, assessment)
- Workshop Agenda Template (90‑min, half‑day, full‑day variations)
- Facilitator Guide Template (setup → flow → probes → debrief)
- Roleplay Pack (scenarios, observer sheets, scoring rubrics)
- Microlearning Storyboard (5‑7 minute assets)
- eLearning Spec (SCORM/xAPI; accessibility; localization fields)
5.3 Coaching & Mentoring
- Coaching Intake & Goal Plan
- Observation Checklist (by path)
- Mentoring Agreement & Cadence
- Triad Guide (peer coaching protocol)
5.4 Projects & Business Impact
- Project Charter (problem, baseline, metrics, stakeholders, risks)
- Sponsor Brief (roles, meeting cadence, unblockers)
- A3 Template (for FLM projects)
- Business Case Template (for MM/SL/Hi‑Po)
- Capstone Rubric (impact, scalability, learning evidence, storytelling)
5.5 Communications & Change
- Launch Comms Pack: CEO note, manager brief, FAQs, posters, intranet page copy
- Monthly Nudge Library: behavioral prompts per path
- Stakeholder Map Template & Heat‑Map
- Change Plan (ADKAR‑aligned)
5.6 LMS & Tech Ops
- LMS Configuration Checklist: enrollments, pacing rules, prerequisites, badging, reporting
- xAPI Statement Map (to capture in‑flow behaviors)
- Accessibility QA Checklist (WCAG 2.2)
- Virtual Classroom SOP (producer + facilitator roles)
5.7 Quality, Risk & Compliance
- Quality Standards (learning design DoD)
- Risk Register (mitigations for attrition, leader turnover, capacity)
- Ethics & DEI Guidelines (inclusive content standards; imagery; language)
- Data Privacy SOP (360, feedback, coaching)
5.8 Budget & Vendor Management
- Budget Model: per‑participant cost; fixed/variable; vendor rates; travel policy
- Vendor RFP Template: scope; SLAs; samples; DEI & accessibility requirements
- Scorecard Template: criteria weights (content efficacy, facilitation, scalability, cost)
6) Detailed Curricula & Assets (Ready-to-Use)
6.1 Core Modules (Reusable Across Paths)
- Feedback that Lands
- Outcomes: SBI‑B model mastery; feedforward
- Agenda (90 min): Warm‑up → demo → triad roleplays (3 rounds) → debrief → action plan
- Materials: slides, facilitator script, roleplay cards (easy/medium/hard), observation sheet
- Assessment: 10‑item performance task; manager observation in 2 weeks
- Coaching in the Flow of Work
- GROW + micro‑coaching; 1:1 cadence planner; coaching log template
- Goal Setting with OKRs
- Canvas, examples library, common pitfalls checklist; quarterly retro guide
- Storytelling for Leaders
- Narrative arc; data‑to‑story; rehearsal rubric; video practice guide
- Financial Acumen for Non‑Finance Leaders
- P&L simulator; case study; cheat sheets; quiz & application assignment
- Leading Through Change
- Case lab; stakeholder map; risk & comms plan; adoption metrics
- Inclusive Leadership Foundations
- Psychological safety; bias interruption; inclusive meetings; accessibility checklist
- Matrix & Stakeholder Management
- Influence map; alignment ladders; meeting architecture; escalation protocol
6.2 Path-Specific Program Schedules (Sample)
Emerging Leaders — 6 Months (Sample Calendar)
- Week 1: Kickoff (90m) + eLearn: Manager Mindset (45m)
- Week 2: Delegation Lab (2h)
- Week 3: Time/Prioritization Sprint (self‑paced + team ritual)
- Week 4: 1:1s & Feedback Lab (2h)
- Week 6: Conflict Basics (90m) + practice clinic
- Week 8: Collaboration & Managing Up (2h)
- Week 10: Presentation Skills Lab (2h)
- Week 12–20: Capstone project + coaching (3x 45m)
- Week 24: Showcase + certificates
Front‑Line Managers — 9 Months (Sample Milestones)
- Month 1: OKR workshop; team goal cascades
- Month 2–3: A3 improvement project kickoff
- Month 4: Budget basics + dashboard
- Month 5: Difficult conversations lab; peer circles start
- Month 7: Storytelling for larger rooms; dry run
- Month 9: Project close & impact defense
Middle Management — 12 Months
- Q1: Strategy & market analysis; enterprise project scoping
- Q2: Change & innovation; stakeholder reviews
- Q3: People systems (succession, bench); finance deep dive
- Q4: Project ROI presentation to SteerCo
Senior Leadership — 18 Months
- H1: Executive presence; board‑readiness; crisis simulation
- H2–3: Digital/M&A modules; ESG; investor narrative; transformation tracking
Hi‑Po — 24 Months
- Rotations (2–3); shadowing (quarterly); innovation sprint (bi‑annual); capstone pitch day
7) Assessment Instruments (Editable)
7.1 360 Survey Item Bank (by Competency)
- Coaching: “Holds regular 1:1s focused on growth.” “Uses questions before advice.”
- Feedback: “Provides clear, timely, specific feedback with next steps.”
- Inclusion: “Invites diverse perspectives; ensures voice equity in meetings.”
- Execution: “Translates strategy into clear priorities; follows through.”
- Stakeholdering: “Anticipates concerns; builds alignment across teams.”
Scales: 1–5 + open text. Auto‑map to competency grid.
7.2 Observation Checklists (by Path)
- EL: delegation steps; feedback micro‑skills; 1:1 cadence
- FL: OKR quality; A3 facilitation; conflict script usage
- MM: succession slate; stakeholder plan; risk register in use
- SL: board narrative clarity; crisis decision‑making rubric
7.3 Project Scoring Rubrics
- Impact (hard metrics) • Scalability • Cross‑functional alignment • Learning evidence • Storytelling
8) Manager Enablement & Transfer
Manager Guide (per path):
- What to expect • Calendar • Reinforcement moves (6) • Observation sheets • Coaching prompts
In‑the‑Flow Tools:
- 1:1 agenda template • meeting architecture • recognition toolkit • retro guide • feedback nudge cards
Cadence: pre‑brief (kickoff) → monthly check‑ins → project sponsorship reviews → endline endorsement
9) DEI, Accessibility & Globalization Standards
- Inclusive Content Standards: representation; language; scenarios; gender‑neutral; localization notes
- Accessibility: WCAG 2.2 AA; captions; transcripts; contrast; keyboard nav
- Globalization: glossary; regional case swaps; time‑zone friendly scheduling; translation memory
10) Launch & Communications
Comms Timeline (Template):
- T‑8 weeks: Exec sponsor announcement; nomination window opens
- T‑6: Manager webinar; FAQs live
- T‑4: Cohort confirmations; calendars issued
- T‑2: Pre‑work nudges; baseline 360
- T0: Kickoff events
- Monthly: success stories; KPI snippets; leader spotlights
Assets: email copy blocks, intranet page wireframe, social tiles, slide templates
11) Budgeting & Resourcing (Models)
Cost Model Template:
- Fixed: platform/licenses; design; analytics; vendor retainers
- Variable: coaching hours; facilitation days; materials; travel
- Per‑participant: target band by path; sensitivity scenarios (±20% cohorts)
Staffing Plan: Program dir (1), path leads (0.5ea), ops (1 per 3 cohorts), data analyst (0.5), vendor pool
12) Implementation Roadmap (90‑Day Stand‑Up)
Day 0–30: Charter, governance, KPI set; select pilot path (EL or FL); build minimum viable curricula; configure LMS; prepare comms; open nominations
Day 31–60: Kick off pilot cohort; run 2–3 core modules; stand up analytics; manager enablement; start impact project scoping
Day 61–90: Mid‑pilot review; fix/iterate; vendor onboarding for advanced modules; plan scale to remaining paths; finalize FY budget
Gate Review Checklist: KPI trendlines; NPS ≥ 60; completion ≥ 85%; early project metrics; risk log
13) Appendix — Print‑Ready Templates
- Program Charter (fill‑in PDF)
- Competency Matrix (Excel)
- Admissions Pack (Nomination form + Selection Matrix)
- Journey Map & Syllabus (per path)
- Workshop Agenda & Facilitator Guide
- Coaching Pack (intake, plan, log)
- Project Charter & A3
- Business Case Deck Outline
- 360 Item Bank
- Observation Checklists
- Capstone Rubrics
- KPI Dashboard Spec & ROI Worksheet
- Comms Pack (emails, slides, FAQ)
- LMS & Accessibility Checklists
- Vendor RFP & Scorecard
- Risk Register & Change Plan
14) How to Use This Playbook
- Customize the charter, KPIs, and competency bands.
- Pick a pilot path; run with minimal vendor reliance first.
- Instrument data early (xAPI/observations) to prove ROI.
- Create visible wins (capstones, promotions) and market them.
- Scale to additional paths; maintain quarterly gate reviews and continuous improvement.
Ready‑Made Forms (Inline, Copy/Paste)
Nomination Form (Short):
- Candidate; Role; Manager; HRBP; Business Unit; Location
- Criteria: Performance rating ( ___ ); Potential (Hi/Med/Lo); Role criticality ( ___ ); Representation priority (Y/N)
- Statement of Support (≤150 words)
- Signature & time commitment acknowledgement
Manager Contract (Excerpt):
- I will hold bi‑weekly 1:1s, observe two live behaviors/month, sponsor one applied project, and attend two reviews (mid/end). Signature: ____ Date: ____
OKR Canvas (Snapshot):
- Objective:
- KRs (3–5): metric + target + owner
- Initiatives:
- Risks & Assumptions:
A3 (Front): Background • Current State (with baseline) • Target State • Root Cause • Countermeasures • Plan • Results • Follow‑up
Stakeholder Map (Quick):
- List stakeholders → score (influence, interest) → strategies (engage, consult, inform, manage closely)
Feedback Planner (SBI‑B):
- Situation • Behavior • Impact • Bridge (next step)
1:1 Agenda: Wins • Priorities • Risks • Support needed • Growth
Capstone Rubric (5×5): Impact • Scalability • Cross‑functional • Evidence • Story — each 1–5
End of Playbook
This document is designed for direct deployment. Duplicate, brand, and tailor to your organization’s context. Add or remove modules as needed while preserving the governance, measurement, and transfer mechanics to ensure real business impact.
