LEADS Program Overview

The NASA Science Workforce Study of 2021 identified challenges that impacted workforce development and leadership readiness for key senior-level roles within the science community.

As a result of this study, the Science Mission Director (SMD) has focused its efforts on enhancing career development through several workforce initiatives and is now ready to pilot a comprehensive leadership development program. The NASA Leadership for Excellence, Advancement, and Diversity in the Sciences (LEADS) Program is designed for NASA civil servants who are scientists or lead science organizations. The program focuses on NASA as an agency, awareness of core values, and leading innovative, high-performing science teams.

NASA LEADS will specifically address the lack of consistency in the workforce development and readiness assessments for key leadership positions noted in the NASA Science Workforce Study of 2021 report through new leadership courses specifically developed for scientists, experiential learning projects, coaching, and cohort-building opportunities. This twelve-month part-time program will be conducted in a blended learning environment with virtual and in-person sessions.

NASA LEADS is part of a set of initiatives that have addressed the needs of the Science Workforce. Other initiatives resulted in tools to enhance understanding of the various science career paths and how to navigate them through the development of an online Science Career Path Tool. These initiatives have clarified the roles and accountability of the Project Scientist in directed flight missions. SMD has also identified strategies for leadership development at all career levels. For example, over the last couple of years, SMD has piloted an agency orientation workshop for early career scientists, hosted a SCOPE mid-career workshop.

NASA LEADS recognizes that scientists have unique career trajectories and face distinct challenges. For example, NASA Scientists might follow career paths where leadership assignments may not align with traditional technical promotion prospects. These paths might result in fewer opportunities for formal leadership training. NASA LEADS addresses these potential gaps through a science-centric Ten Leadership Themes framework. This framework aligns with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's executive core qualifications (ECQs), which the federal government considers essential for effective leadership and a solid organizational culture. ECQs are also required for entry into Senior Executive Service, used by NASA in selection, performance management, and leadership development for management and executive positions.