Federal government agency OPM introduces distinctive training initiative for senior government officials
The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has unveiled a new leadership training program aimed at preparing federal executives at the Senior Executive Service (SES), GS-15, and GS-14 levels to meet updated leadership standards and drive government performance and accountability.
This new program is closely aligned with President Trump's revised Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and emphasizes competencies such as dedication to the Constitution, government efficiency, merit, competence, holding subordinates accountable, and delivering results for the American people.
Key features of the program include training videos featuring key Trump administration leaders and distinguished career Senior Executives, content designed to equip leaders to advance the President’s agenda and improve federal government performance, and on-demand, modern training opportunities.
The program is driven by the Trump administration’s new Performance Plans for SES, which were released in early 2025. These plans removed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria and focused on accountability and constitutional values.
The overall objective is preparing public servants to lead with impact, forward-thinking leadership, and operational efficiency aligned with Trump’s agenda.
In addition to these changes, OPM has prioritized operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and workforce readiness for emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence, reflecting a broader goal of making government leadership more effective and accountable.
The new training program is a fee-for-service program, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $8,500 depending on the program. Registration for the training program opened this week and is meant for SES members and federal employees at levels 14 and 15 on the General Schedule.
However, not everyone is in agreement with these changes. Jason Briefel, director of government and public affairs at Shaw Bransford & Roth, has expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s emphasis for the SES to focus on advancing the president’s policies in the new training modules.
Previously, the Federal Executive Institute (FEI), a long-time training program run by OPM for federal employees, was dismantled by President Donald Trump in February. This move was justified as the program "failed to deliver results for the American people in alignment with administration priorities."
Moving forward, each agency’s Executive Resources Board (ERB) will be led by a non-career SES member, but still alongside career SES members. Agencies are now required to make at least 25% of an SES performance evaluation to be a review of how well a senior executive is aligning with "faithful administration of the law and the President's policies."
In summary, the OPM leadership program under the Trump administration offers updated training that aligns with new executive standards emphasizing constitutional values, accountability, and efficiency to prepare federal leaders for challenges in government performance and policy implementation.
[1] OPM Website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/leadership-development/ [2] Federal News Network: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2025/03/opms-new-leadership-training-program-focuses-on-accountability-and-efficiency/ [3] Government Executive: https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/03/opm-launches-new-leadership-training-program-focused-on-accountability-and-efficiency/169433/ [4] Nextgov: https://www.nextgov.com/emerging-tech/2025/03/opm-launches-new-senior-executive-training-program-focused-accountability-and-efficiency/169431/
- The OPM's new leadership training program, aimed at the federal workforce, seeks to transform the workforce by reimagining it with a focus on accountability, efficiency, and adherence to constitutional values, as seen in the sports world where leaders are expected to deliver results and align with specific agendas.
- As the federal workforce is reimagined through the OPM's training program, it's noteworthy that it delves into topics such as sports management, where competencies like holding subordinates accountable and delivering results for the public are crucial, mirroring the structure of the revised program for the Senior Executive Service.
