Stepping Into the Executive Cadre

The world of executives is a challenging one. Expectations are high, accountability is magnified and more challenging, and nothing short of excellence is expected. Leadership skills are essential to succeed.

Our Stepping Into the Executive Cadre (SIEC) program is specially designed for EX minus 1 and minus 2 aspiring executives, and newly appointed Directors, looking to expand their public sector knowledge and hone their leadership skills to advance their careers in the public services. Structured around 3 themes - leading yourself, leading others, and leading your organization - the program will provide you with the perspective and vision essential to the executive level.  You will learn from top former senior public servants and governance experts to facilitate your learning experience.  You will also develop your new and improved management skills through 3 additional days of action-learning groups, discussions and presentations.  Module 3 consists of a Leadership Study tour with the opportunity to meet and learn from leaders of other organizations in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, including a group dinner. 

In Person Delivery at IOG Office, Ottawa:  

COHORT 26 (2026)

•   Module 1 - March 24, 25, 26
•   Module 2 - May 12, 13, 14
•   Module 3 - Study Tour - July 13, 14, 15, 16* in person at IOG office
•   Module 4 - September 15, 16, 17

Registration deadline: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

COHORT 27 (2026)

•   Module 1 - June, 9, 10, 11
•   Module 2 - August 18, 19, 20
•   Module 3 - Study Tour - October 19, 20, 21, 22* in person at IOG office
•   Module 4 - December 1, 2, 3

Registration deadline: Tuesday, May 26, 2026

COHORT 28 (2026/2027)

•   Module 1 - October 6 + 7 + 8, 2026
•   Module 2 - December 8 + 9 + 10, 2026
•   Module 3 - Study Tour - February 22 + 23 + 24 + 25* in person at IOG office
•   Module 4 - April 6 + 7 + 8, 2027

Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Program Curriculum

Spanning over four dynamic modules (12 days + 3 days of action learning groups), dive into key topics like emotional intelligence, strategic decision-making, and executive presence. Experience a rich, in-person classroom setting, complemented by an enriching study tour, and engage in practical exercises and action learning groups for real-world application. This program offers a unique opportunity to enhance skills and develop a network of leaders that will last a lifetime.

Program Benefits

•   Learn from respected subject matter experts and guest speakers
•   Develop your skills through professionally-led action-learning groups
•   Learn from wise/best practices that inspire great leadership

Travel Costs

In order to make things very clear regarding travel costs for the Leadership Study Tour, we wanted to provide the following detailed information for participants and departments to be aware:

•   Train travel to and from Ottawa and Montreal or Toronto will be paid for by the Institute on Governance (this includes travel to and parking at the Ottawa train station). For any participants traveling from outside of the National Capital Region, they may wish to travel from their region to Ottawa to join the group on the train, or to travel from their region directly to the study tour location. Any travel costs outside of Ottawa-Montreal/Toronto are the responsibility of the participant or department.
•   The group will spend one night in a hotel in study tour location -- the IOG will hold this reservation, the participant will pay upon checkout, and then the IOG will reimburse this cost via a travel expense form.
•   Any meals or taxis paid for by participants during their study tour in Montreal will be logged on an expense form and reimbursed by the IOG based on the NJC allowances. 
•   For the 3rd day of this module, hosted at the IOG office in Ottawa, meals will be provided on-site, but any hotel accommodations needed in Ottawa are the responsibility of the participant or department. (exception: if a participant lives in study tour city and therefore does not require lodging).
•   Lastly, if a participant from another region needs to travel to study tour location the night before the study tour, they may do so, but their hotel booking and cost will be the responsibility of themselves and/or their department.

If you have any specific questions about the above, please email us at registration@iog.ca

If you are interested in this program but cannot join this particular cohort, please express your interest in a future cohort by completing this form.

"This was an excellent leadership training course that I would recommend. I was particularly impressed by all of the angles of leadership that were explored and the personal learning approach that engaged us in the leadership journey. Thank you IOG!"

"I would absolutely recommend this program to others (and will do). It was by far the most valuable training activity that I have ever done, and many would benefit from also taking it."

"Incredible experience -- I will certainly come back as I grow as a leader. The program was not only valuable but also exciting and interesting. Thank you!"

"The whole program was top-notch, with excellent insights and guest speakers. I will definitely look to take courses with IOG again in the future!