SLSI launches leadership program

The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) recently announced the launch of its Leadership Development Program, which was created to “address soft skills in railroad management with a focus on communication, mentoring and coaching.”

The program was designed, SLSI noted, to be energetic using a combination of role-play, self-assessment and group discussion, and is aimed at new and experienced managers. Topics include effective communication, delivering constructive feedback, managing to agreement, coaching, building high-performing teams and giving credit.

SLSI added that the Leadership Development Program is available free of charge to any short line railroad, and can be made available to an individual railroad or a broader group.

“Based on the findings of more than 70 Safety Culture Assessments we’ve conducted on short line railroads, soft skills were identified as areas of opportunity to continuously improve safety culture,” said Tom Murta, Executive Director, SLSI. “To answer that need, the SLSI has developed a highly interactive program designed for railroad managers that care deeply about their mission and their teams but lack formal training in leadership skills.”