The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) yesterday announced the launch of an in-person leadership development program designed to address soft skills in short line management. The program combines roleplay, self-assessment and group discussion to cover topics such as using effective communication, providing constructive feedback, managing to agreement, coaching, building high performing teams and giving credit. “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 SLSI Executive Director Tom Murta said in a press release. The free program is designed for new and experienced short-line managers, and can be made available to an individual railroad or a broader group. Iowa Northern Railway in Waterloo, Iowa, hosted the first leadership program with 26 attendees from 12 short line railroads. “The training did a phenomenal job of engaging the learner and applying concepts through meaningful exercises,” said event participant Tom Leopold, chief of safety and compliance at Anacostia Rail Holdings Co.
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