Defence Strategic Leaders Programme

This is a mandatory three-part residential programme which draws together a balanced portfolio of participants from a wide variety of different backgrounds and with different experiences who share a common interest in operating in and around the strategic leadership space.

Once enrolled on module 1 you will automatically be enrolled on the next two related modules. Therefore, please ensure you are free to attend all dates.

What you will learn

Module 1: Leading Self

This module focuses on the foundational principle that effective leadership begins with self-awareness. Participants will explore how their values, behaviours, and decision-making processes are shaped—particularly under conditions of pressure and uncertainty. Through a combination of academic insight and practical application, the module introduces key concepts such as emotional intelligence and metacognition (thinking about one’s own thinking). These concepts are critical in understanding personal leadership style and its impact on others. To deepen self-awareness, participants will undertake two psychometric assessments:
•    A 360-degree feedback assessment, providing perspectives from peers, subordinates, and senior colleagues.
•    A validated personality questionnaire, offering insight into individual preferences, tendencies, and behavioural patterns.
The outputs from these assessments are integrated into one-to-one executive coaching sessions, enabling participants to reflect, challenge assumptions, and identify targeted areas for development. By the end of the module, participants will have a clearer understanding of their leadership identity and practical strategies for adapting their approach in different contexts.

Module 2: Leading People

This module examines the critical leadership capability of influencing others and sustaining motivation within teams. It encourages participants to move beyond positional authority and consider how trust, credibility, and authenticity underpin effective leadership. Participants will:
•    Explore techniques for leading individuals and diverse teams, recognising varying motivations, needs, and perspectives.
•    Develop the ability to craft and communicate authentic, compelling narratives that align people with organisational purpose and direction.
•    Build skills in relationship management, including active listening, constructive challenge, and fostering psychological safety.
A key feature of this module is shared enquiry, where participants draw on their own leadership experiences across Defence. This peer-based learning approach enables a richer understanding of the real-world opportunities and challenges faced within the MOD, encouraging reflection on both effective practice and common pitfalls. By the end of the module, participants will be better equipped to inspire others, strengthen team cohesion, and lead with authenticity in complex environments.

Module 3: Leading Organisations: The Strategic Leader

This module shifts focus to leadership at the organisational and systemic level. It explores how leaders operate within—and shape—complex systems to deliver strategic outcomes. Participants will engage with academic frameworks and practitioner insights relating to:
•    Strategic thinking and decision-making in uncertain and dynamic contexts.
•    Organisational design, including structures, processes, and governance models that enable effective delivery.
•    The use of tools and systems to align leadership intent with organisational strategy.
The module also emphasises the broader Defence context, examining the interconnected challenges faced by leaders across the MOD and wider government. Through facilitated discussion and case study analysis, participants will deepen their understanding of complexity, interdependence, and long-term capability development. By the end of the module, participants will be equipped to think and act strategically, aligning people, resources, and systems to achieve enduring organisational objectives.

How this course will help your career

This course provides targeted personal and professional development to enhance leadership effectiveness across individual, team, and organisational levels. It enables participants to build deeper self-awareness, strengthen their ability to influence and motivate others, and communicate with clarity and authenticity. Through a combination of academic insight, practical application, and coaching, participants will develop the skills to navigate complexity and think more strategically. Ultimately, the programme prepares leaders to perform with greater confidence and impact, both in current roles and in future positions of increased responsibility.

Who can attend this course

• Military
• MOD civil servants

•    Military 1* Officers
•    MOD senior civil servants (band-1)
Designed for UK nationals only.

How the course will be taught

• Face-to-face
• Online (Virtual)

• 22 September 2026
• 12 January 2027
• 26 January 2027