**AFM**

**Leadership Evaluation and Development Program**

**LEAD**

**2007 Application**

Complete this application and the Participant's Agreement (available on
the LEAD Program Web site
<http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/programs/LEAD/index.htm>) and submit the
original, signed copies, and a Word file, along with a copy of your
latest performance appraisal to the LEAD Program Manager **no later than
June 29, 2007.**

***It is your responsibility to ensure that all required forms are
completed, signed and submitted by the due date.***

LEAD represents a major investment of resources for AFM. The program is
highly competitive and the number of candidates each year is limited.
The selection panel considers many factors before making a final
decision. Do not be disheartened if you are not accepted. You may apply
again next cycle.

**Dave Carter**

**AFM LEAD Program Manager**

**5601 Sunnyside Ave. Room 3-2161**

**Beltsville, MD 20705**

**301-504-1007**

[**dcarter@ars.usda.gov**](mailto:dcarter@ars.usda.gov)

**[APPLICANT PROFILE]{.underline}**

**Applicant's Name
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**Work Address
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**E-mail address \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Telephone
Number** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Signature
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Date \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Supervisor's Name
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**Work Address
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**E-mail address \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Telephone
Number \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Supervisor's signature
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Date \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Division Director's or DAD's Name**

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**Work Address
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**E-mail address \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Telephone
Number \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Signature
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Date \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**INSTRUCTIONS**

***Applicant***: Complete items 1-9, sign and deliver the application to
your supervisor.

***Supervisor***: Complete items 2-8, sign and deliver the application
to the Division Director or AAO.

***Div. Dir. or DAD***: Complete item 10, sign and deliver this form to
the LEAD Program Manager.

**[Item 1]{.underline}**

**Applicant, please provide a typewritten statement of 2-3 paragraphs
explaining why you want to participate in the LEAD program and how you
think the program meets your career plans. How will ARS (AFM) benefit
from your acceptance into this program?**

**[Items 2-8]{.underline}**

**Applicant and Supervisor: Write a short narrative detailing the
applicant's competency in [each]{.underline} of the seven selection
factors (Items 2-8). Your discussion should (1) demonstrate successful
experiences \-- how the applicant achieved what needed to be
accomplished, (2) focus specifically on the applicant's role, and the
impact to the organization, and (3) collectively demonstrate competency
in the selection factor. The applicant's portion should be about 1 ½
pages followed by ½ page from the supervisor for [each]{.underline} of
the Items (maximum 14 pages for this portion).**

**Item 2. Creativity and Innovation** - Develops new insights into
situations and applies innovative solutions to make organizational
improvements; creates a work environment that encourages creative
thinking and innovation; designs and implements [new]{.underline} or
[cutting-edge]{.underline} programs/processes.

**Item 3. Cultural Awareness** - Initiates and manages cultural change
within the organization to impact organizational effectiveness. Values
cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce.
Ensures that the organization builds on these differences and that
employees are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

**Item 4. Team** **Building** - Inspires, motivates, and guides others
toward goal accomplishments. Consistently develops and sustains
cooperative working relationships. Encourages and facilitates
cooperation within the organization and with customer groups; fosters
commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust. Develops leadership in others
through coaching, mentoring, rewarding, and guiding employees.

**Item 5. Problem Solving** - Identifies and analyzes problems; uses
sound reasoning and interpretation of policies/regulations to arrive at
alternative solutions to complex problems; distinguishes between
relevant and irrelevant information in making logical judgements.

**Item 6. Oral and Written Communication** - Makes clear and convincing
presentations (orally or sign language) to individuals or groups;
listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an
open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere of open communication.
Expresses facts and ideas in writing in a clear, convincing and
organized manner.

**Item 7. Customer Service** - Balancing interests of a variety of
clients; readily readjusts priorities to respond to pressing and
changing client demands. Anticipates and meets the need of clients;
achieves quality end-products; is committed to continuous improvement of
services.

**Item 8. Business Acumen** - Developing and managing human, financial,
physical, and information technology resources in a manner consistent
with organizational priorities. Understands the linkage between
administrative requirements and mission need.

**[Item 9]{.underline}**

Within your career plans, are you willing to accept a permanent position
at another Location, Area Office, or Headquarters?

\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

COMMENTS:

**[Item 10]{.underline}**

To be completed by the appropriate Division Director or Deputy Area
Director.

*I concur with the supervisor statement and the*

*application of this individual for the LEAD Program.*

Name
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Position
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Signature
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COMMENTS:

DATE \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_