Executive Leadership Program participants and the Emerging Executives Committee recently attended a quarterly networking session, where small-group breakouts facilitated dialogue that helped forge ties between students of the three programs: Engaging & Influential Leader, Strategic & Branded Executive, and Advanced Business Development. The virtual format enabled more than 30 individuals from around the world to attend. Emerging Executives Committee Member Jordan West, Mustang Cat, facilitated the session.
The committee designed the networking format to help attendees identify career development and leadership behaviors that work for them and brainstorm ways to continue development post-graduation, including opportunities to develop others.
Participants broke into small group discussions where they considered topics such as what they enjoy about their jobs and careers, challenges around continued hybrid or remote work, and the skills they consider essential for everyone.
Participants shared key takeaways with the entire group at the end of the session. The first group shared what they enjoyed most about their jobs, including cultivating relationships and developing people.
Another participant discussed what he truly enjoys about his job and the opportunities it presents.
“Every now and then, I get to learn about and meet new people from different domains of the energy world. A few months ago, it was CCUS and last week it was a deep dive into geothermal. Next is hydrogen. My job takes me places and keeps me abreast of the latest, innovative and disruptive technologies which are shaping up the energy landscape.”
Program Participant
Regarding the current hybrid work environment, one participant shared, “The hybrid work model has its pros and cons; I have seen fewer resumes if the hybrid option is not offered which can put a strain on recruiting. It can also negatively impact proper communication as organizations grow. On the other hand it has offered flexibility and made our overall global communication easier.”
Participants also shared various skills they feel are essential in the workplace such as empathy, respect, operations experience, punctuality, patience, transparency, effective communication and thinking outside the box.
For more information about the Emerging Executives Committee or the Executive Leadership Program, 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.
