If you’re considering leadership development programs for yourself or your organization, a quick Google search can be overwhelming. We get it, there are a lot of programs out there, and a majority of them probably aren’t worth your money.
Here at The Metiss Group, we help small businesses grow their leaders through The Leadership Academy™, so we know a thing or two about what makes a good leadership development program. Obviously, we think our programs are top-tier, and we are a great fit for many leaders. However, we have to be honest that we aren't perfect for everyone at every stage.
So read on to learn about the best leadership programs in the country and decide for yourself who best fits your specific needs. The following list is in no particular order:
1. DDI (Development Dimensions International) Leadership Programs
DDI is like the Swiss Army knife of leadership development programs: a trusted brand that offers a little bit of everything. They’re a global leadership consulting firm with a home base in Pennsylvania, and they specialize in helping companies hire, promote, and develop exceptional leaders.
One of their standout features is their subscription model, which allows you to take leadership courses on your own schedule. If you’re the type to binge a Netflix series in a weekend, this could be your jam — but if you’re someone who relies on a strict course schedule to hold yourself accountable, you might have trouble building the habit.
Another unique feature of DDI is its proprietary behavioral assessments, which are regarded as some of the best in the business. These assessments go beyond surface-level feedback and dig deep into behavioral patterns, giving you actionable insights to work on.
DDI is best for large businesses that can dedicate a large line item in their budget toward leadership development. They’re one of the best, most-respected organizations for leadership development.
2. CCL (Center for Creative Leadership) Leadership Programs
CCL is a heavyweight in the leadership development arena, with its headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, and programs running worldwide.
With their claim of having the longest-running leadership development program, they’re clearly doing something right. However, with the ways leadership has changed over the past handful of decades, it’s worth wondering if this program has changed with the times.
Their courses are short and intensive, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, and you can opt for in-person or online formats, giving you some flexibility.
CCL is great for a quick leadership refresh or gaining specific skills, but the short duration might make it harder to absorb and apply everything when you’re back at your desk. That said, their programs have been fine-tuned for decades, and CCL has earned many positive reviews online.
CCL is great for businesses who prefer a traditional approach to leadership development. The price tag ranges from $4,400 for first-level leaders, and $13,900 for senior executives.
3. The Metiss Group
This article wouldn’t be complete without telling you about The Leadership Academy™ from us, The Metiss Group. We’re clearly biased, but we’ll be as objective as possible in this review.
In our three decades of experience, we’ve perfected proven processes that have delivered measurable results and lasting impact to thousands of businesses. Each program includes self-discovery, structured learning, practical application, and feedback from our team of behavior experts. This makes the learning sticky, so you don’t feel like you’re lighting dollar bills on fire.
It’s ideal for small to mid-sized businesses. While not as globally expansive as some of the others on this list, The Leadership Academy™ offers a more customized and hands-on experience that works well for companies seeking tailored leadership solutions.
3. Vistage Peer Advisory Groups
Vistage takes a slightly different approach to leadership development: they offer peer advisory groups for leaders. Think of it as your monthly/bi-monthly mastermind meeting with other business leaders who “get it.” Members meet regularly with a group of like-minded peers, listen to subject matter experts, and dive into discussions about real-world challenges.
This isn’t a traditional course. There are no grades, no accountability partners, and no homework. But what you do get is priceless feedback, shared wisdom, and the camaraderie of people who understand the unique pressures of leadership.
As a senior executive, I have particularly found the peer-to-peer knowledge base helpful. After all, “it’s lonely at the top,” and sometimes it can feel like you have no one in your personal life to turn to when battling CEO-specific challenges. But with a Vistage peer group, you can bounce ideas off other senior executives and benefit from the experience share of your peers.
Pro tip: Pair Vistage with another leadership program to maximize the benefits, since it’s more about discussion and less about formal training.
The membership dues can rack up, though. Annual dues can range from $5,000 to $20,000, and there’s an initiation fee of around $3,000.
4. University-Based Leadership Development Programs
You can also take leadership development courses from some of the most prestigious universities without applying as a student. Places like Harvard, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon offer short executive education programs that deliver a taste of their world-class education without the commitment of a full degree. Here’s a quick breakdown of the ones we consider the best.
Harvard University
Harvard University’s Executive Leadership programs are short (usually a week or less), intense, and led by the same professors who teach at Harvard Business School. While you’re not going to walk out with deep expertise, you will get a polished overview of leadership strategies. And while it’s not the same as hanging a diploma from Harvard on your wall, it does come with some bragging rights. They currently offer virtual and in-person options.
One Reddit reviewer put it perfectly: “A week-long training won’t give you deep functional expertise, but it’s great as an introduction or starter in the area.” Translation: don’t expect life-changing revelations, but you’ll definitely pick up some great tools to add to your leadership toolkit.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT’s executive education programs, like the Entrepreneurship Development Accelerator, focus on innovation and strategic thinking. Again, these are short programs that pack a punch, but the challenge is making the lessons stick once you’re back in the whirlwind of your day-to-day responsibilities. Still, if you’re drawn to the cutting-edge thinking MIT is known for, this could be a great fit.
Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon has an executive education program, the Strategic Leadership Executive Education Program, that is similarly short but well-regarded. Like Harvard and MIT, these programs give you access to top-tier faculty and resources without requiring a full-time student commitment. They’re perfect for busy executives who want to sharpen their leadership skills without taking a career break.
The main drawback with university-based programs is that they’re hard to measure in terms of ROI. Sure, you’ll walk away with insights. But without homework, feedback, and long-term structured learning, we have to wonder if the learning is sticky. The answer largely depends on you and your ability to implement what you’ve learned.
So, Which Leadership Development Program is Right for You?
As you can see, there are a lot of great leadership programs out there. And a lot of bad ones. So how can you know which program is best for you and your organization?
Take it from us: the key to any leadership program’s success is what you do with it. The most brilliant seminar or boot camp won’t help if you don’t apply the lessons to your work.
At The Metiss Group, we specialize in helping small businesses cultivate exceptional leaders through The Leadership Academy™. With our expertise and tools, we’re here to help you build the leadership foundation your organization needs to thrive.
Now that you understand the top leadership development programs in the USA, the next step is to understand the difference between a strategic leadership program vs. learning the leadership essentials. This will help you narrow down your search as you find a best-fit leadership development program.