ASU Government Leadership Academy
Designed for emerging executive leaders in the public sector.
The ASU Government Leadership Academy prepares participants for greater organizational responsibility by developing the strategic thinking, leadership acumen and cross-sector perspective needed to lead complex organizations and advance meaningful community impact.
Format:
- In-person meetings held at a regional public agency location.
- Occurs every two weeks for four-to six-hour sessions over a period of three to four months.
What to Expect:
- Sessions apply key leadership and management concepts to tackle real-world challenges for government leaders today. Participants use dedicated workbooks, learning from a mix of university faculty and experienced government practitioners. The program will include interactive “staff hours” and opportunities for mentorship.
Sample Leadership Topics
Learn foundational elements of local government leadership. Examine the historical evolution of our governments and how it has shaped current frameworks, legal authorities and key roles and responsibilities. Explore regional dynamics, public-private collaborations and future challenges through this interactive discussion.
Look beyond the immediate projects and political cycles to anticipate long-term trends, risks and opportunities. Develop strategic-planning and decision-making approaches grounded in data and self-awareness. Strengthen leadership by recognizing bias and improving the quality and impact of decisions.
Interpret the elected official perspective. Navigate competing value systems, assess organizational power dynamics and build trust across political divides. Cultivate cross-sector collaboration and strong networks to advance shared initiatives and reinforce leadership impact.
Build a comprehensive approach to communicating across complex platforms and to diverse audiences. Analyze the external landscape by assessing media dynamics, narrative framing, and addressing distinctions between communication and engagement. Enhance internal communication practices by projecting leadership presence and inspiring others.
Create fluency in leveraging data and emerging technologies to lead change. Apply adaptive leadership in a shifting digital landscape while integrating AI into decision-making with strong governance and ethical guardrails. Cultivate innovation by overcoming resistance, breaking silos and advancing continuous improvement in service delivery.
Establish a disciplined approach to leading during disruptions and emergencies. Detect and evaluate risks in dynamic and high-pressure situations. Leverage essential leadership capabilities and structured response protocols to manage incidents effectively. Align internal and external communications while reinforcing community resilience and long-term preparedness.
Master adaptive leadership and change management in today’s local government environment. Examine the traits of high-performing organizations and strategies for driving impact and organizational excellence. Engage in collaborative dialogue and self-assessment to refine leadership growth and problem-solving approaches. Hear from well-respected government leaders in a panel setting.