The Executive Leadership Program, sponsored by the Emerging Executives Committee, entered its ninth-year last week, providing a structured year-long program that helps participants develop leadership skills for current and future roles.
The 2024 program kicked off on March 5 with the Helping Clients Succeed Program facilitated by Franklin Covey. The sales training course develops the skills and behaviors to confidently sell and establish long-term relationships inside and outside the organization.
The first two sessions of the hybrid program were held on March 5 and 6, focusing on topics such as advocating on behalf of the client, preconditioning a meeting, asking questions from the customer’s perspective, and listening intently to mirror language the client uses to have more impactful conversations.
“There have been many terms that have stood out to me over these past couple of days. Words like listen, understand, analyze, and empathy will all be critical as I continue to work through our client partnerships.”- Course Participant
Participants worked in breakouts throughout the two days, role-playing and putting into practice sales resources such as using a call plan to structure a conversation and a business opportunity worksheet. Course facilitator Dave Marcum stressed the importance of making small changes. “Small changes over a period of time can make a difference. Changing your mindset can have a huge impact on your relationships internally and externally,” he said.
“With more than 800 program participants from 70 leading companies in its first nine years, Energy Workforce continues to elevate the industry by investing in the next generation of industry leaders,” said Energy Workforce President Molly Determan. “The Executive Leadership Program has become an essential tool in Member Company professional development strategies.”
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the seminars of the yearlong programs, participants engage in leadership development activities outside their company. They also attend at least two Energy Workforce leadership meetings, such as leadership forums, where participants engage and network with energy leaders from across the industry. The program includes valuable mentorship from members of the Energy Workforce’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board. This gives participants a unique opportunity for strategic career advice and to develop relationships with industry leaders.
Participants of this course will also receive two one-on-one coaching sessions from Heidrick& Struggles following each of the half-day sessions. They will also have access to additional Franklin Covey on-demand content.
The year-long programs will continue in April with the Executive Leadership Program: Cultivating High-Performing Teams & Cultures and Executive Leadership Program: Integrated Leadership: Leading With Influence, Agility & Accountability, facilitated by Heidrick & Struggles.
For any questions about the programs, contact Vice President Programs & Events Peggy Helfert.
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.
