L&D Leadership Skills

Leading @Tech

decorative gold bar

This initiative aims to create a comprehensive learning program for people leaders at Georgia Tech to build capabilities in the areas of management practices, leadership effectiveness, and engagement and well-being.

The program offers both formal and informal learning opportunities, including synchronous and asynchronous courses, along with a competitive, applied leadership cohort.

Created for People Leaders

A PROGRAM TAILOR MADE FOR YOU

People leaders hold managerial roles across the Institute, bridging executive leadership and frontline employees. Their titles may vary across schools, units, and research labs, but they generally occupy people-leader roles between Supervisor and Executive Leader.

  • People leaders translate strategic directives into actionable plans, oversee day-to-day operations, ensure goal alignment, and foster collaboration.
  • They manage resource allocation, performance, and communication and serve as a connection between frontline employees and executive leadership enhancing productivity and mission alignment.

Program Details

Who Should Attend

This program is for people leaders at Georgia Tech. People leaders hold managerial roles across the Institute, bridging executive leadership and frontline employees. Their titles may vary across schools, units, and research labs, but they generally occupy people-leader roles between Supervisor and Executive Leader.

People leaders translate strategic directives into actionable plans, oversee day-to-day operations, ensure goal alignment, and foster collaboration. They manage resource allocation, performance, and communication and serve as a connection between frontline employees and executive leadership enhancing productivity and mission alignment.

How You Will Benefit
  • Enhanced leadership skills
  • Improved decision-making abilities
  • Increased confidence and motivation
  • Conflict Management
New to People Leadership

Leading @Tech is a mandatory training program for all newly hired and promoted people leaders at Georgia Tech, including faculty, research faculty, and staff. The program features five foundational courses designed to equip leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage and develop talent, while aligning with Georgia Tech’s leadership practices. Through courses on interviewing, performance management, talent development, and more, Leading @Tech empowers leaders to foster a thriving, high-performing workplace.

  • Interviewing @Tech- auto enrolled e-Learning
  • Leave Polices & Workplace Accommodations -Auto enrolled/e-Learning
  • Performance Management – Auto enrolled/e-Learning
  • Managing Talent – Auto enrolled/e-Learning
  • Leading with Excellence (requires self-enrollment/ Instructor Lead (Virtual or In-Person)

Our goal is to foster a culture of excellence and continuous personal and professional growth throughout the Institute. By providing targeted development opportunities, we strive to empower individuals to achieve their highest potential, thereby enhancing overall organizational performance.

Program Overview

blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course Mandatory gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course Asynchronous/Online

Leading @Tech course catalog consists of 40 unique courses (available in Canvas and Quest LMS) designed to build leadership skills across Management Practices, Effective Leadership, and Engagement & Well-being.

Management Practices Effective Leadership Engagement & Well-being
Managing Talent blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course Leading with Excellence gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course  blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course Engage to Excel gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course  blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course
Performance Management gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course Leading Leaders Work-Life Integration & Stress Management gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course
Governance and Decision-Making gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course Driving Engagement: Understanding Gallup Q12 The Science of Motivation
Progressive Discipline The Confident Leader gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course Psychological Safety 101 gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course
Hiring Practices Transformational Change Adaptive Leadership: Working with Neurodivergent Team Members
Interviewing @Tech gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course Change Through Coaching Mental Health at Work: Everyday Support Strategies gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course
Leave Policies & Workplace Accommodations gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course Art of Communication Effective Conflict Engagement
Financial Acumen & Budgeting Impactful Conversations Stop, Look, and Listen (Communicating in Conflict)
Terminations & Resignations Public Speaking Bouncing Back from Burnout gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course
Succession Planning (Toolkit) gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course Mastering Leadership Styles gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course Inclusivity in Workplace Dynamics**
Compensation, Promotions, & Awards Appreciative Inquiry Intercultural Awareness**
Reducing Institutional Risk From Avoidance to Action: Confronting Intractable Behavior gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course
Student Hiring Practices Creating a Culture of Recognition gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course
Pitch Perfect: From Idea to Impact gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course Re-engaging Employees Through Accountability & Trust gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course
Relationships Matter: Strengthening Workplace Connections gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course

**Not available in Quest LMS

Each path bundles Leading @Tech courses into a tailored learning experience aligned with your development goals. Choose from nine focused certificate programs designed to build comprehensive leadership skills, or customize your journey with our Leadership FlexTrack.

Management Certificate

Equips leaders with essential tools to effectively manage teams, reduce organizational risk, and navigate key HR policies and procedures. Recognition program deadline = 2 years.

  • Managing Talent
  • Reducing Institutional Risk
  • Progressive Discipline
  • Leave Policies & Workplace Accommodations
  • Financial Acumen & Budgeting
  • Terminations & Resignations
  • Compensation, Promotions, and Awards
  • Leading with Appreciation Inquiry
Research Support Certificate

Strengthens leaders’ understanding of research operations with training in pitching proposals, budgeting, conflict engagement, and student support. Recognition program deadline = 12 months.

  • Pitch Perfect: From Idea to Impact
  • Financial Acumen & Budgeting
  • Public Speaking
  • Psychological Safety 101
  • Effective Conflict Engagement
  • Bonus Activity – Student volunteering?
Strategic Vision Certificate

Prepares leaders to think and act strategically by focusing on internal decision-making protocol, business continuity, financial literacy, and effective change. Recognition program deadline = 2 years.

  • Governance and Decision-Making
  • Succession Planning
  • Financial Acumen & Budgeting
  • Transformational Change
  • Reducing Institutional Risk
Executive Presence Certificate

Builds a strong leadership brand by helping leaders project confidence, demonstrate presence and influence, and align their style with GT values. Recognition program deadline = 12 months; Cohort pre-requisite

  • Leading with Excellence
  • Mastering Leadership Styles
  • Public Speaking
  • The Science of Motivation
  • The Confident Leader
  • Stop, Look, and Listen (Communicating in Conflict)
  • The Confident Leader
  • Bonus Activity – 2-minute Reflective Video?
Workplace Civility Certificate

Supports a respectful and inclusive workplace by building leader capacity to handle conflict, foster psychological safety, and strengthen team dynamics. Recognition program deadline = 12 months.

  • Psychological Safety 101
  • Stop, Look, and Listen (Communicating in Conflict)
  • Effective Conflict Engagement
  • Impactful Conversations
  • From Avoidance to Action: Confronting Intractable Behavior
  • Re-engaging the Disengaged: Trust. Repair. Accountability
  • Relationships Matter: Strengthening Workplace Connections
  • Bonus Activity – Individual Coaching session?
Engagement & Well-being Certificate

Promotes employee well-being and connection by equipping leaders to recognize contributions, support motivation, and encourage work-life integration. Recognition program deadline = 12 months.

  • Work/Life Integration & Stress Management
  • Bouncing Back from Burnout
  • Creating a Culture of Recognition
  • Relationships Matter: Strengthening Workplace Connections
  • The Science of Motivation
  • Mental Health at Work: Everyday Support Strategies
  • Driving Engagement: Understanding Gallup Q12
Organizational Change Certificate

Develops leaders’ ability to champion and manage change initiatives through coaching, appreciative inquiry, and engagement strategies. Recognition program deadline = 12 months; cohort pre-requisite

  • Leading with Appreciation Inquiry
  • Change Through Coaching
  • Transformational Change
  • Leading Leaders
  • Driving Engagement: Understanding Gallup Q12
Risk Mitigation Certificate

Focuses on minimizing institutional risk by training leaders in conflict engagement, policy compliance, and employee lifecycle processes. Recognition program deadline = 12 months.

  • Reducing Institutional Risk
  • Leave Policies & Workplace Accommodations
  • Terminations and Resignations
  • Effective Conflict Engagement
  • From Avoidance to Action: Confronting Intractable Behavior
Executive Communicator Certificate

Enhances leaders’ communication effectiveness by refining skills in public speaking, interpersonal dialogue, and conflict navigation. Recognition program deadline = 2 years.

  • Art of Communication
  • Public Speaking
  • Impactful Conversations
  • Stop, Look, and Listen (Communicating in Conflict)
  • Leading with Appreciative Inquiry
  • Bonus Activity – Toastmasters Guest Speech?
Leadership FlexTrack
Organizational Leadership Certificate

Empowers leaders to customize their development journey by selecting courses that align with their unique goals and leadership growth areas within the L@T catalog. Recognition program deadline = 12 months.
Build your own certificate experience

Not sure which path fits your leadership journey?

Take our quick assessment to discover your learning needs and goals, and find the Leading @Tech Certificate Path that aligns with your impact.

The foundational content is strategically designed to address internal compliance and organizational priorities. Completion is required for all newly hired, promoted, or appointed people leaders.

Management Practices Managing Talent blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course
Performance Management gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course
Interviewing @Tech gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course
Leave Policies & Workplace Accommodations gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course
Effective
Leadership
Leading with Excellence gold circular clock icon to indicate an asynchronous/online course  blue circle icon with gold check mark in the middle to indicate a mandatory course

Foundational Course Completion Requirement
New people leaders must complete all Foundational courses within their first six months, with the exception of Interviewing @Tech, which must be completed within the first 30 days.

Organizational leaders are accountable for ensuring compliance among the leaders who report to them.

Leading @Tech Cohort
From Expertise to Impact: Leadership in Action

In the Leading @Tech Cohort, participants engage in immersive experiences and collaborative activities that empower them to apply their expertise to real-world leadership challenges like strategic planning, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Through hands-on projects, peer learning, and cross-functional collaboration, leaders sharpen their skills in a supportive environment designed to reflect the complexities of leading at Georgia Tech.

Applications available soon

Start Your Learning Journey Today

People leaders and individual contributors alike will benefit from the insights in this program. Whether you are an aspiring leader or looking to build confidence in your current role, Leading @Tech can support you in achieving your professional development goals.

General Registration

GTRI Registration

Leading @Tech Info Session

Now I have an understanding of how to be an effective member of a hiring committee to bring appropriate talent to our organization.

– GTRI-ACL Principal Research Engineer,
after taking Leading @Tech: Interviewing at Tech

I strive to treat all people with respect and dignity and encourage everyone I interact with to contribute their thoughts and ideas. My goal is to foster the personal development of both colleagues and students by building positive relationships.

– GTRI-ICL Research Scientist I,
on integrating strategies from Leading @Tech: Leading with Excellence

The content provided in the Leading at Tech: Leave Policies & Workplace Accommodations course was extremely beneficial and addressed topics that I was only partially familiar with.

– GTRI-ISD Systems/IT Architect Lead

Leading @Tech Project Team

team photo

Additional
Resources

FAQs

General Program Information
  1. Is the Leading @Tech program required for all people leaders?
  2. Only newly hired, promoted, or appointed people leaders (as of October 30, 2024) are required to complete the five Leading @Tech Foundational Courses. While participation is not mandatory for others, it is highly encouraged for those in leadership roles to strengthen their skills and align with Georgia Tech’s Leader Competency Model. All courses in the Leading @Tech catalog are open-enrollment for all leaders.

    The five mandatory courses for newly hired, promoted, or appointed people leaders are:

    • Leading with Excellence
    • Managing Talent
    • Interviewing @Tech
    • Performance Management @Tech
    • Leave Policies & Workplace Accommodations
  3. Is the program restricted to people leaders or middle managers?
  4. While the program is designed for people leaders, anyone is welcome to enroll in these courses. Leaders at various levels—including middle managers, senior leaders, supervisors, and even individual contributors—can register and access courses through the Leading @Tech general catalog.

  5. How do I apply for the Leading @Tech Applied Leadership Cohort?
  6. The application and nomination process for the Leading @Tech Applied Leadership Cohort will be announced in Fall 2025. More details will be shared as the program launch approaches.

  7. How do I align a performance goal with the Leading @Tech program?
  8. You can align a performance goal with the Leading @Tech program by integrating leadership development goals into your online performance review process. Here are some ways to do so:

    • Create a SMART goal for career development. For example:
      “By the end of the performance period, I will complete three leadership courses from the Leading @Tech catalog and apply at least one strategy from each course to improve team collaboration and decision-making.”
    • Enroll in a Leading @Tech Certificate Path for a tailored learning experience that aligns with your specific leadership development goals.
    • Commit to completing a set number of courses from the Leading @Tech course catalog within the performance period to build key leadership competencies.
    • Set a goal to be accepted into the Leading @Tech Cohort experience (launching in 2026) as a milestone in your leadership journey.
      Since all courses in the Leading @Tech program align with Georgia Tech’s Leader Competency Model, each course helps enhance essential leadership skills and competencies, making them a valuable part of your professional growth.
  9. How can I request an information session or propose a new course for Leading @Tech?
  10. To request an information session or propose a new course, please contact Sarah Cockrell, Director – Employee Development & Culture (GT Learning & Development).

Georgia Tech Faculty
  1. Why is leadership training important for faculty who aren’t traditional supervisors?
  2. Faculty roles inherently involve leadership, whether through mentoring students, leading research teams, or collaborating with colleagues. This program strengthens skills in communication, conflict resolution, and team management to enhance effectiveness in these roles.

  3. How does this program align with faculty roles in teaching, research, and service?
  4. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing faculty to balance leadership development with their teaching, research, and service commitments. Content is available in multiple formats, including classroom, virtual, and self-paced eLearning options.

  5. Do chairs, lab directors, or research faculty need to take multiple versions of the training?
  6. No, new faculty leaders will be assigned the faculty course versions. Training assignments will be managed through the LMS.

  7. Will completing this training impact my faculty performance evaluation?
  8. While the training itself is not a formal evaluation requirement, applying the skills learned can positively impact leadership effectiveness, which may be reflected in faculty performance reviews.

Georgia Tech Staff
  1. How does this program help staff develop leadership skills?
  2. The program provides leadership training in areas such as communication, talent management, and conflict resolution. It aligns with Georgia Tech’s leadership competencies to support professional growth.

    The program’s learning categories provide a well-rounded leadership foundation:

    1. Management Practices – Focuses on performance management, policy, and operational efficiency.
    2. Effective Leadership – Strengthens decision-making, strategic thinking, and coaching skills.
    3. Engagement & Well-Being – Promotes team motivation, workplace civility, and employee well-being.
  3. How does training completion support my professional growth at Georgia Tech?
  4. By developing leadership skills, this training prepares staff for career advancement opportunities and enhances their ability to manage teams effectively. It also supports Georgia Tech’s mission by fostering strong leadership at all levels. One of Georgia Tech’s Leader Competencies, “Develops Self and Others,” emphasizes continuous growth. By engaging in these courses, you invest in your own development while strengthening leadership within the organization.

  5. Will this program affect my performance evaluation?
  6. While not mandatory for performance evaluations, completing the training supports key competencies—Acts Strategically, Demonstrates Inclusivity, Exhibits Social Intelligence, and Develops Self and Others—which are evaluated in staff reviews.

  7. Which core leadership competencies does this program align with?
  8. The training is designed around Georgia Tech’s four core leadership competencies:

    • Acts Strategically
    • Demonstrates Inclusivity
    • Exhibits Social Intelligence
    • Develops Self and Others
GTRI Research Faculty & Staff
  1. How is this leadership program relevant to GTRI research faculty?
  2. Leadership skills are universal and essential for success in research and beyond. Georgia Tech’s Leader Competency model applies to all leaders across the GT community, including GTRI research faculty and staff, who often lead teams, manage projects, and oversee research.

    The Leading @Tech program provides practical skills in team management, communication, and decision-making, with several custom-designed courses under “Management Practices” tailored specifically to the GTRI experience.

  3. How does the program account for research deadlines and project-based leadership?
  4. The program is designed to be flexible, offering classroom, virtual, eLearning, and microlearning options. Participants can complete the training at their own pace, allowing them to integrate leadership development with their research responsibilities.

  5. Can I track my professional development progress for annual reviews?
  6. Yes, GTRI employees can track their leadership development progress through StarTrak, where they can log completed courses as part of their Professional Development Plan for annual reviews.

  7. What is the charge number for Leadership Development at GTRI?
  8. GTRI has provided a charge number for Leadership Development, allowing newly hired or newly promoted research faculty leaders to allocate time for completing the training without disrupting project funding. Please email us at gtritraining.ask@gatech.edu for assistance.

Compliance Guidance for Leaders of Leaders

Leading @Tech Roadmap Guide

People Leader Support

We define people leaders as members of our community who have direct reports and achieve their goals through the efforts of others. Whether you’ve recently joined Georgia Tech as a people leader, were promoted as a new people leader, or have been around for a while and want to assess your skills as a people leader, we have resources to help you build skills in this area.

Leader Competency Model

In January 2022, a team of individuals involved in leadership work across the Institute was charged with developing a leadership competency model that aligned with Institute values and current leadership programs, and could be broadly applied across divisions. The primary question posed to this group was, “What are the key competencies needed to be a Georgia Tech leader?”