University Human Resources
Leadership Certification Program
Program Overview and Eligibility
- Open to managers with at least one full-time direct report
- Newly hired and promoted managers are automatically enrolled
- Participants are encouraged to begin within six months of starting a leadership role
LCP is designed to strengthen core leadership capabilities, support long-term professional growth and ensure leaders are equipped to build engaged, high-performing teams.
Program Update
As of February 23, 2026, the LCP curriculum has been refreshed to reflect current leadership best practices and workplace needs. The updated program emphasizes practical, high-impact leadership skills and real-world application for today’s workplace.
Program Structure and Requirements
The program now includes the following required courses:
Orientation to Leadership at Brown
This required, self-directed module helps new leaders start strong and current leaders refresh key resources. It introduces essential tools, support and expectations for leadership success, and reviews the Leadership Certification Program requirements and components.
Important: This module must be completed before beginning any other modules in the program. All remaining courses may be taken in any order.
Leading with Clarity & Connection
A high-impact session designed to bridge the gap between intent and impact. In today’s fast-paced work environment, a leader’s success isn’t just measured by technical expertise; it’s defined by the ability to navigate human dynamics with precision. We begin by laying the foundation of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Psychological Safety, the two non-negotiable pillars of high-performing teams. You will learn why these aren't just "soft skills" but critical drivers of workplace culture and performance.
Leading with Emotional Intelligence
A module that helps leaders move from reactive to intentional. While technical skill earns the role, emotional intelligence drives success. This course builds practical skills in self-regulation, empathy and reading team dynamics so leaders can stay grounded, build trust, and strengthen collaboration.
Building & Sustaining Psychological Safety
An essential module for leaders who want to unlock team potential. It shows how to build psychological safety so people can take risks, speak up and learn from mistakes. Leaders gain practical tools to strengthen trust and create a culture where every voice and idea can be heard.
LDE Next Level: Developing a Growth Mindset
A self-directed module that helps leaders develop a growth mindset to boost learning, resilience and team potential. Participants explore the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, discover its benefits and learn practical strategies to apply it for personal and team growth.
Coaching for Success and Improvement
A module that equips leaders with a dual-track approach to Coaching for Success to propel high-performers and Coaching for Improvement to re-align performance gaps. Moving beyond task management, participants will learn to balance Practical Needs (goals and output) with Personal Needs (respect and autonomy). Through collaborative "Growth Hackathons" and "STAR/AR" scripting, managers will practice adapting their style to the diverse personalities and tenures of their team, ensuring every conversation drives professional growth.
A Guide to Navigating Team Dynamics
A self-directed module that helps leaders turn personality differences into team strengths. Participants learn to understand roles, work styles and generational differences to improve collaboration, strengthen team dynamics and drive high performance.
Driving Conflict Resolution and Mediation as a Leader
A practical toolkit that helps leaders turn conflict into growth. Managers learn how to guide healthy debate, address harmful behavior and de-escalate tense situations using clear mediation frameworks while maintaining mutual respect.
Strategic Delegation and Empowerment
A high-level module that helps managers shift from doing the work to leading others. It teaches strategic delegation that builds team capacity and supports employee growth. Leaders learn to assign work with clear expectations and the right level of support to improve results and prevent burnout.
Most courses are offered in both in-person and virtual formats. Credit is automatically applied across modalities (virtual or in-person), as completing a course in one modality grants credit for the same course in the alternate modality.
Credit for Previously Completed Courses
If you started LCP before the 2026 update:
- Most previously completed courses still count toward certification
- Course equivalencies have been established and are automatically tracked in Workday
Course Equivalency Guide
| Former Course | New Equivalent Course(s) |
|---|---|
| Communication: Connect Through Conversation (Virtual & In-Person) | Leading with Clarity & Connection (Virtual & In-Person) |
| Addressing Poor Performance (Virtual & In-Person) | Leading with Emotional Intelligence (Virtual & In-Person) and Building & Sustaining Psychological Safety (Virtual & In-Person) |
| Coaching: Move People Forward (Virtual & In-Person) | Coaching for Performance and Development (Virtual & In-Person) |
| Resolving Workplace Conflict (Virtual & In-Person) | Driving Conflict Resolution and Mediation as a Leader (Virtual & In-Person) |
| Developing Yourself and Others (Virtual & In-Person) | LDE Next Level: Developing a Growth Mindset |
| Delegation: Engage and Empower People (Virtual & In-Person) | Strategic Delegation and Empowerment (Virtual & In-Person) |
Planning Your Path
To stay on track:
- Review updated program requirements
- Check your completed courses in Workday
- Plan remaining coursework based on equivalencies
These updates ensure your previous work continues to count while aligning your learning with current leadership practices.
Questions and Registration
Questions: ldeteam@brown.edu