Energy Workforce hosted the latest session of the second Executive Leadership: Integrated Leadership program last week. The program, in partnership with Heidrick & Struggles, has garnered such high demand that two iterations are currently in progress. Both programs are led by Advisory Board Member Doug Orr, Partner, and Laura Gironda, Principal, Heidrick & Struggles.
Peggy Helfert, Vice President of Programs and Events at Energy Workforce & Technology Council delivered welcome remarks and reviewed course expectations with attendees.
Over 20 participants, virtually and in-person, joined the second session. Participants focused on the impact of coaching and how properly delegating can strengthen leadership skills.
The group began the session by diving into their personal development and goals, reflecting on what molded them into the leaders they are today. They then broke into small groups to share their journeys with their peers, engaging in rich discussions.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve stuck to my core values, integrity and honesty. With those two constantly at the forefront of my mind, I’ve been able to use my beliefs to guide me in my personal and professional endeavors. I have been able to develop into the person I am today because of my values.”
– Participant
Attendees also focused on how to build and lead a successful team, emphasizing the importance of empowering your team by knowing when and how to delegate. They gained insight into the benefits of delegating and how to do so effectively, along with understanding how to instill a sense of purpose within their teams.
“My team can be a high-performer team because we have aligned our goals and mindsets. With each project or bump in the road that comes our way, we navigate it all together. As a leader, you have to be able to not only trust yourself but your team.”
– Participant
The group then focused on communication, how to properly maximize time with your team, and how team members’ behaviors directly correlate to the way they are treated in the workplace. They split into smaller groups to explore real-life scenarios, discussing how they would approach various situations related to these topics. The exercise allowed participants to gain insights into different ways to handle similar scenarios.
“One thing my group talked about was how to communicate when a team member makes a mistake and how to navigate that conversation. It’s important to make it a safe place for your team to make mistakes because they’re inevitable. It’s how they will grow. Understanding how to guide your team and frame the conversation correctly when a mistake happens is crucial to being a great leader.”
– Participant
To wrap up the session, participants shared their key takeaways and left feeling more confident in their leadership roles.
In addition to the seminars for these 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 executive coaching from Heidrick & Struggles and valuable mentorship from the Energy Workforce’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board members. This gives participants a unique opportunity to receive strategic career advice and to develop relationships with industry leaders.
For questions regarding programs, contact Vice President of Programs & Events Peggy Helfert.
Britney Turcios, Marketing Specialist, writes about the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
