Last week in Midland, Diamondback Energy hosted the sold-out Frontline Leadership program where participants from Diamondback, SLB, Kodiak Energy, Solaris Energy Infrastructure and BHE Compression experienced two days of hands-on exercises, workplace scenarios and guided practice built on the situations frontline leaders face.
Facilitated by Heidrick & Struggles and sponsored by SLB and Chevron, the program presented leaders with opportunities to explore how to adapt their leadership approach to different employees and situations, helping them improve communication, strengthen accountability, and lead more effectively in fast-paced operational environments. Participants were able to collaborate on exercises, which in turn helped to reinforce the key concepts over the course.
Self and Team Awareness
The first day focused on the foundations of leadership. Participants examined the differences between management and leadership, along with the key traits of each, and explored the connection between employee engagement and results. Through interactive assessments and discussions, participants gained a better understanding of their leadership styles, the importance of effective communication and setting clear expectations. The day also emphasized the value of coaching, empowering teams and leading with intention.
Culture and Trust
The second day focused on the personal and cultural side of leadership. Participants explored how personal passions, attitudes and day-to-day interactions influence team performance and engagement. Discussions also highlighted the importance of psychological safety, building trust, effective listening, inclusion, coaching and feedback in creating stronger teams.
When asked what resonated most from the sessions, one participant shared, “One of the things that stuck with me was intentionally making time to speak with my team members. I recognize I need to reprioritize and start allocating more time to connect.”
Another leader shared, “The personality assessment was eye-opening. I would like to have my team take something similar to see how they view themselves and what their own styles and preferences are.”
Registration is open for the 2027 Frontline Leadership Programs which will be held in Midland in March and October. For more information about Energy Workforce training programs, contact Vice President Programs & Events Peggy Helfert.
For more information or assistance with registration, contact Peggy Helfert, Vice President, Programs & Events.
Peggy Helfert, Vice President, Programs & Events, writes about the Energy Workforce’s sector-specific best practices and leadership. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
