NRCS Leadership Development Framework (LDF)
Become a Leader at NRCS! The Leadership Development Framework (LDF) helps employees determine their individual leadership development path. The LDF curriculum consists of recommended training courses (virtual or in-person) that target key competencies which should be paired with experiential learning, such as mentoring, coaching, and stretch assignments. The curriculum is organized into 4 proficiency-based clusters:
- Foundational Leadership Cluster
- Tactical Leadership Cluster
- Operational Leadership Cluster – Under Development
- Strategic Leadership Cluster – Under Development
The table below presents the proficiency levels that you can expect to reach by successfully completing the curricula for a given cluster. Select the Foundational Cluster or Tactical Cluster to learn more about the associated competencies and recommended curricula. The Operational and Strategic Clusters are under development.
Competency Proficiency Levels
| 1.0 = Awareness |
2.0 = Basic |
3.0 = Fully Proficient |
4.0 = Advanced |
5.0 = Expert |
LDF Curriculum Cluster
| Competency |
Foundational |
Tactical |
Operational |
Strategic |
| Adaptability & Flexibility |
3 |
4 |
– |
4.5 |
| Assigning, Evaluating, & Monitoring Work |
4 |
– |
– |
5 |
| Oral Communication |
3.5 |
– |
4.5 |
– |
| Written Communication |
3.5 |
– |
4.5 |
– |
| Developing Others |
3.5 |
– |
4.5 |
– |
| External Awareness |
– |
3 |
4.5 |
– |
| Fiscal Responsibility |
– |
3.5 |
– |
5 |
| Human Resource Management |
– |
3 |
4 |
– |
| Influence & Negotiating |
3 |
– |
4.5 |
– |
| Integrity & Honesty |
4 |
5 |
– |
– |
| Interpersonal Skills |
4 |
– |
– |
5 |
| Leveraging Diversity |
– |
3.5 |
4.5 |
5 |
| Political Savvy |
– |
– |
4 |
4.5 |
| Public Service Motivation |
– |
4 |
– |
5 |
| Relationship/Partnership Management |
3 |
4 |
– |
5 |
| Strategic Thinking & Action |
– |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| Team Building |
3 |
– |
4.5 |
– |
| Vision |
– |
3.5 |
4 |
5 |
If you have any questions about the NRCS LDF, please contact the NRCS National Employee Development Center (NEDC).
NRCS LDF: Foundational Leadership Cluster
The table below includes links to the recommended Foundational Leadership curriculum for each competency. You can learn more about each competency by clicking on the competency title.
The recommended curricula are representative samples of opportunities available at NRCS, and you may not need to complete all opportunities within a curriculum to reach the target proficiency level. Discuss your leadership developmental goals with your supervisor or mentor as you create and complete your development plan.
Competency Proficiency Levels
| 1.0 = Awareness |
2.0 = Basic |
3.0 = Fully Proficient |
4.0 = Advanced |
5.0 = Expert |
*Competency primarily targeted through selection; not included in the LDF curricula.
Please note that while the LDF is a tool to help you make informed decisions about your career, following the LDF does not guarantee advancement into a new leadership position.
NRCS LDF: Tactical Leadership Cluster
The table below includes links to the recommended Tactical Leadership curriculum for each competency. You can learn more about each competency by clicking on the competency title.
The recommended curricula are representative samples of opportunities available at NRCS, and you may not need to complete all opportunities within a curriculum to reach the target proficiency level. Discuss your leadership developmental goals with your supervisor or mentor as you create and complete your development plan.
Competency Proficiency Levels
| 1.0 = Awareness |
2.0 = Basic |
3.0 = Fully Proficient |
4.0 = Advanced |
5.0 = Expert |
*Competency primarily targeted through selection; not included in the LDF curricula.
Please note that while the LDF is a tool to help you make informed decisions about your career, following the LDF does not guarantee advancement into a new leadership position.
