The Core Leadership Skills for New & Upcoming Managers program made its OKC debut last week, hosted at Expand Energy. Attendees in early-stage management positions with roles such as Account Manager, Lead Technician, Service Supervisor and Electronics Technician gathered to explore practical tools and strategies for strengthening their leadership approach.
The session was sponsored by Strategic Partners, Chevron, and SLB.
The Program is a two-day seminar designed to help early-stage leaders learn their leadership style, navigate challenging situations with agility, and strengthen their ability to delegate and support team development.
Over the 2 days, participants reflected on how their behaviors impact trust, engagement, and team performance. Discussions centered on self-awareness, effective communication, and the importance of modeling accountability.
During the program kick-off, the facilitator surveyed the group, asking what they would most like to get out of the program. Common themes included developing conflict resolution skills, growing as a leader, and refining collaboration within their teams.
Participants were asked to complete a personality assessment in advance of the program, which allowed them to dig into understanding their own personalities as well as understand others’ personality traits. The value of this self-reflection tool was noted by one of the participants during the session. “The assessment and the discussions we have had really make you think about your behaviors and the value of learning how to interact with different personalities.”
Group exercises emphasized the importance of respect in the workplace, regardless of title or role, and how leaders set the tone through daily interactions. Participants highlighted that accountability and responsibility, when modeled by leaders, help create a culture where individuals focus on solutions instead of problems.
Group exercises emphasized the importance of respect in the workplace, regardless of title or role, and how leaders set the tone through daily interactions. Participants highlighted that accountability and responsibility, when modeled by leaders, help create a culture where individuals focus on solutions instead of problems.
Before the program adjourned, participants were asked to share their key takeaways. Common reflections included the importance of developing problem-solving mindsets, bridging gaps between office and field perspectives, and applying leadership lessons across all levels of an organization.
During the recap session on day two, one participant shared, “We were discussing above the line and below the line last night as a group, analyzing our team to see where our team sits and how we can get them to be above the line when we get back.”
The program also included discussions around what drives trust, the art of listening, how inclusion leads to belonging, coaching and feedback.
Before the program adjourned, participants were asked to provide key takeaways from the 2 days and share what they found most valuable. “I appreciated the 1-3-1 method. We’re going to implement that on one of our team members when we get back to get them to start coming forward with solutions instead of problems,” said one participant.
Someone else shared, “It surprised me to learn that corporate workers and field workers face many of the same challenges. No matter where you are within an organization, you can use these leadership tools and models.”
Registration is open for an additional iteration of the Core Leadership Program hosted in Louisiana. 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.
