A Prestigious Canadian Firm of Consulting Engineers: Training in People Skills for Engineering Managers

1. The Situation

This organization is known worldwide for excellence in consulting engineering on large high profile international projects. Both staff and management are committed to training and development, but in this fast-paced environment using matrix management, the challenge was to find time for participants to be off the job to attend training sessions.

Moreover, while potential participants excelled in the hard skills of engineering, they were less committed to using non-billable time to build the softer interpersonal skills related to supervision and management.

2. The Approach

We worked collaboratively with the organization’s director of training, and one of the senior partners recognized for his strong management and people skills, to develop a program designed specifically to meet the unique challenges faced by participants. The approach involved designing scenarios, case studies and other exercises tailored specifically to this environment, and using approaches suited to participants’ values and learning styles.

3. Results

A tight experiential program was developed and offered at sites in the East and on the West Coast. Participants were enthusiastic during the course and evaluations indicated that they found the training to be engaging, relevant and highly practical.