Learn and Lead: Implementation of a Leadership Development Pilot Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Abstract

Objectives: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) needs leaders at all levels who can address technical and adaptive challenges in a changing public health landscape. We assessed the feasibility of implementing an enterprise-wide leadership development model. Methods: In June 2023, we launched a pilot program, Learn and Lead, for nonsupervisory staff in early and mid-career levels. One hundred sixty-nine participants registered, and 149 completed at least 6 weeks of the 8-week program. We gathered quantitative and qualitative data through weekly electronic surveys and in-depth interviews. We calculated frequencies for closed-ended Likert-scale items and performed content analysis of open-ended items to assess most frequently mentioned themes. We based the pilot’s design on CDC’s leadership development framework to assess application of the framework and alignment of curriculum to the framework. Results: Three themes emerged: logistics and facilitation, leadership development curriculum, and making connections with self and others. Findings for logistics and facilitation highlighted preferences for course length, small breakout groups, mixed weeks, and value of staff support. Findings for the leadership development curriculum underscored the relevance of the US Office of Personnel Management’s fundamental competencies to leadership development. Findings for making connections with self and others supported the cohort model and the importance of networking. Conclusions: The pilot curriculum aligned well with the CDC leadership development framework. Feedback provided by pilot participants is being used to help shape CDC’s ongoing leadership development efforts.