Grotius Leadership Course.
Three modules that equip participants with the virtues and self-awareness necessary to lead. Taken by individuals, and by companies forming their own people.
Foundational leadership for the future.
The Grotius Leadership Course is a course that equips the attendees with the virtues and self-awareness necessary to lead. Through three specially designed modules, participants develop into leaders who are committed to self-giving and principled action.
The course emphasises the importance of self-knowledge, aligning personal actions with core values, and embracing leadership as a form of service. Enrolling offers numerous benefits: refine your ability to self-govern, understand the pivotal role of virtue in leadership, and cultivate habits that promote personal growth and service.
The course is the entry point of the Grotius Education Program, taught by the Grotius Leadership Institute and its sister institute, Van Reigersberch.
Three modules.
The three modules run in sequence: each one rests on the one before it, and the course is designed to be taken whole rather than sampled.
Self-Knowledge
Before anyone can lead others, he must first understand himself. This module focuses on building deep personal awareness. Participants explore their strengths, weaknesses, values, and personality tendencies — not for introspection alone, but to gain the clarity needed to grow and serve.
Self-Integration
Knowing yourself is only the beginning. True strength comes from integrating that knowledge into how you live. This module helps you align your thoughts, emotions, and actions under the guidance of reason and virtue. The aim is personal unity — being the same person in private and in public.
Self-Giving
Leadership is not domination or image — it is service. This module focuses on the mature expression of leadership as a life of responsibility, self-sacrifice, and influence through example. It draws from timeless principles and modern insights on how to lead others effectively while staying rooted in personal integrity.
Download the brochure here.
The three modules, the method and the practical details, in one PDF.
Two forms of GLC.
The same course is given in two forms: an open course anyone within the age range can join, or a course inside a single company for a group of its own people.
Open enrolment.
No prior leadership experience is required, just a willingness to learn and grow. We assemble each group with care — for balance of background, sector, and stage.
| Open to | Men & women, aged 18–40 |
| Background | University, vocational training, or early career |
| Format | Hybrid · in-person seminars & online mentoring |
| Fees | Cost-recovery basis · support via the DAT-Fund |
In-company courses.
A course can also run inside one organisation, for a group identified as its future seniors. The three modules stay as they are; the reading, the cases and the calendar are set with you.
| Group size | 10–15 people from one organisation |
| Delivered | On your site or in Maastricht |
| Suited to | Family businesses, partnerships, civic institutions |
| How it starts | A conversation, then a written proposal |
- Language
- English · Dutch on request
- Where
- Maastricht, Nederland
- Fees
- Cost-recovery · no profit taken
- On completion
- Certificate from the institute
What participants say.
The Grotius Leadership Course taught me a different approach to transform leadership. I now lead with more clarity, thanks to the invaluable lessons on self-awareness and virtue.
The course provided me with the tools to better understand my strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to become a more effective leader. I also saw nice changes to both my professional and personal life.
Continuous Leadership Education.
Finishing the course is not the end of the relationship. CLE is the continuing strand of the Grotius Education Program: a standing offer for graduates, at a slower cadence and over a longer horizon.
- Evenings
- An evening around one text or one case, led by a member of the circle or by a guest. Short input, long conversation, dinner after.
- Residential
- Graduates from every course in one house for a weekend — the one moment in the year when the whole circle is in the same room.
- Mentoring
- Accompanying someone through the course you finished yourself. The most demanding form of continuing formation, and the most useful.
CLE is open by invitation to alumni of a Grotius formation programme — there is no open enrolment. Graduates can write to glc@grotius.org to hear what is coming next.
Sign up for next GLC.
The men’s course runs this autumn in Maastricht, with its own registration page. The women’s course of September has been held; leave your details below to hear when the next one opens.
Not this autumn, or a course inside your own organisation? Leave your details and we will write when the next one opens.
Frequently asked.
How much does the course cost?
The price depends on the amount of time and materials needed for the course. Grotius does not make a profit on either of these.
Can the course be given inside a company?
Yes. A group of ten to fifteen people from one organisation can take the same three modules, with the reading and the calendar set together with you. Write to us and we will send a written proposal after a first conversation.
Is the course conducted in Dutch or English?
The course is primarily conducted in English, with some sessions available in Dutch upon request.
Do I need prior leadership experience to join?
No prior leadership experience is required. Our course is designed for individuals at all stages of their leadership journey.
What happens if I miss a session?
If you miss a session, you can attend a makeup session or access recorded materials online.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes, participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion from the Grotius Leadership Institute.
When is the next course?
The next course is the men’s GLC on 2–3 October 2026 in Maastricht; registration is on this page. For the next women’s course, or a later men’s course, leave your details on the sign-up form.
What is the application process like?
Start with the sign-up form. We will write back with further instructions and a timeline for the selection process.
How can I contact the institute for more information?
You can reach us via email at glc@grotius.org for any inquiries.
Start with a note.
We answer every enquiry ourselves, usually within a few days.
Fees are set on a cost-recovery basis. Stichting Grotius takes no profit on the course.
Formation that lasts a lifetime is only possible with those who make it possible.
Stichting Grotius is a Dutch foundation. Every contribution goes straight into formation work.