Engineering Leadership: Adaptive Strategies for Success
As engineers advance in their careers, they increasingly find themselves in roles that involve leading teams, managing stakeholders, and making critical decisions under pressure. However, relying solely on technical skills does not equip them with the necessary tools to navigate these complexities effectively. This session presents a neuroscience-based approach to leadership, empowering engineers with actionable frameworks to modify their leadership style, enhance decision-making, and mentor others towards success.
Utilizing Dr. Daniel Siegel’s Hand Model of the Brain, we will examine how stress, uncertainty, and cognitive overload influence performance—similar to how a system facing excessive load is at risk of failure, a leader under stress without the right tools also faces challenges. Building on this premise, we will introduce the GROW and ACE coaching models, which provide structured methods for engineers to facilitate problem-solving discussions, promote accountability, and cultivate high-performing teams. For instance, consider leading a crucial project where a vital team member falls short of expectations. Should you issue direct orders, provide support, or let them address the issue independently? The GROW model offers a systematic approach to evaluate the scenario and encourage solutions without resorting to micromanagement. If time allows, we will participate in an interactive exercise to practice applying this coaching model.
By the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Discuss a situational leadership model by evaluating motivation, skill level, and complexity to determine an effective leadership strategy.
- Demonstrate Dr. Daniel Siegel’s Hand Model of the Brain to illustrate how stress, cognitive overload, and emotional regulation affect leadership effectiveness.
- (Time Permitting) Apply the GROW coaching model to lead structured, goaloriented discussions in technical settings.
Registration closes on Tuesday, April 15 at 9:00AM MDT.
Date/Time
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Start Time: 12:00PM MDT
End Time: 1:00PM MDT
Location
Energy Transition Centre at The Ampersand
East Tower - 15th Floor
112 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3N3*This event will be in-person only.
Speaker Bio
Chris Lalchan, P.Eng, PCC
Principal Executive Coach at Empowered Synergy Executive
Client Relationship Partner at Essential Impact
Chris Lalchan is the principal coach and founder of Empowered Synergy Executive Coaching, a Calgary-based leadership development firm supporting technical leaders. He helps these leaders convert technical expertise into strategic leadership skills to foster innovation and business growth. As a Professional Engineer turned Certified Executive Coach, Chris has over 15 years of experience in the upstream energy sector, leading teams and designing workover programs that generated over $130 million in revenue. His career transition, involving two parental leaves and a shift from engineering to coaching, reinforced his belief that leadership development is both personal and professional. Through Empowered Synergy and partnerships with Ernst & Young’s Coaching Centre of Excellence, the APEGA Mentorship Program, Royal Roads University and Essential Impact, he helps mid-career professionals enhance their leadership approach, improve decision-making, and expand their influence. His coaching philosophy emphasizes that effective leaders must have self-awareness, build relationships, and make choices that drive innovation and sustain success.
**Please Note
Lunch will be provided. Please be sure to include your dietary restrictions during the online registration process so we can do our best to accommodate.