The first Frontline Leadership Program of 2026 launched in Midland last week, a two-day seminar led by Heidrick & Struggles aimed at helping managers evolve from individual contributors into effective leaders.
The session was hosted by Diamondback and sponsored by Strategic Partners Chevron and SLB.
Those who participated in the training, holding such titles as Service Supervisor, Technology Engineer, Production Foreman and Operations Managers, learned about their leadership styles and how to be situationally agile, explored the importance of perspective, dove into empathy as a skill and practiced active listening.
During the program kick-off, facilitators worked with participants in groups, highlighting the differences between managers and leaders and the impact of leadership influence. The group engaged in breakout activities focused on solution-oriented thinking and strengthening critical thinking skills.
Prior to the start of the program, attendees completed a personality assessment designed to deepen understanding of their own traits as well as those of others. he value of this self-discovery tool was noted during the session by one participant, who shared, “Breaking down the different personalities on your team really helps to strengthen it as a whole. The more you know about how someone responds to things or operates, the more effective your team will be in the long run.”
Participants also engaged in an emotional intelligence exercise, exploring different perspectives and how to lead with empathy. This session resonated with the group, with one participant noting, “This exercise has provided a realignment with the practice of self-reflection and has given us the actual tools to implement to make improvements. It will be tremendously beneficial at work as well as home.”
The program wrapped with a discussion on what drives trust, the art of listening, how inclusion leads to belonging, and the role of coaching and feedback.
After the program concluded, participants were asked to share key takeaways from the two-day course. One shared, “I think by taking this so early in my leadership career, it will provide a better foundation for myself as a leader and, over the long term, enable me to contribute more effectively to my company’s success.”
Registration is open for the June 2-3 Frontline Leadership Program and the October 13-14 Frontline Leadership Program, both to be hosted in Midland. For more information about Energy Workforce training 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.
