Leadership for Engineers Workshops

Our Leadership for Engineers workshops are typically scheduled for small groups within the same company as a series of 2-hour online sessions with a workshop leader who has an extensive engineering leadership background. Workshop duration can range from just four hours with pre-work and post-work to learn fundamentals, to a total of 16 or more hours for comprehensive learning. In-person sessions can be arranged for up to 25 participants, ranging from one-to-three days depending on content.

A key aspect of our workshops is a facilitated leadership development plan, where each participant concludes with an action plan for achieving business goals and developing specific abilities needed to achieve those goals. A series of self assessments aid in determining priorities for developing leadership competencies.

Real-world product development examples and case studies are used extensively to reinforce key learning points. Since 2002, thousands of engineering leaders have benefitted from our workshops, with a general appreciation of the real-world examples, experienced instructors, and the practical approach centered around facilitating their development plans.

The primary desired outcomes for participants are:

• Become more influential
• Improve ability to lead projects and teams
• Identify leadership development goals specific to their needs
• Gain support for ideas that will benefit your company
• Build rapport with managers and peers
• Improve team and stakeholder communication

The following outline is an example of topics often covered:

What is Leadership?

• Characteristics of a Great Leader

• Influence Without Authority
• How Leadership Facilitates Good Management
• Leadership Myths and Misconceptions

Overcoming Leadership Challenges in Technical Environments

• Understanding Your Audience
• Perception About Benefits
• Getting Support for New Ideas
• Understanding Management’s Perspective

Differences Between Leadership and Management

• Leadership and Management Call on Different Abilities
• Warren Bennis’ Perspective
• Management Skills Relevant to All Engineers

Communication Strategies

• Becoming a Better Listener
• Fulfilling Interests and Engaging Your Audience
• Inspiring Action
• Addressing Diverse Communication Needs
• Communicating a Vision
• Goal-Oriented Communication

The Art of Influence

• Opportunities for Building Rapport
• Building Rapport with Managers
• Helping Others to See Your View
• Give, Take and Compromise
• Dealing With Conflict

Building Trust and Respect

• Overcoming Teamwork Obstacles
• 20 Elements of Trust and Respect
• John Maxwell’s Five Levels of Leadership