CAVU recently completed a 3‑day leadership workshop with a global wind service provider at a wind site in north‑central Oregon along the Columbia River Gorge. The session brought together senior lead technicians and site leads from nearby windfarms and marked another step forward in a strong, ongoing partnership focused on developing frontline leaders in the wind industry.

As a trusted partner, CAVU delivers the client’s Leadership Development Program — a leadership program built for new line‑level leaders (site leaders and senior wind technicians in particular) stepping into greater responsibility. This was the seventh quarterly class in the series, bringing the program to roughly 50 graduates to date. The curriculum centers on three core pillars that define CAVU’s approach: Leadership, Continuous Improvement, and Team Resource Management.

For this cohort, the Continuous Improvement block was tailored to the operational realities of wind sites. Participants worked through lean manufacturing principles, public speaking and presentation skills, 5S, kaizen, and root cause analysis. That tailoring matters. It ensures the material isn’t just conceptually sound — it’s immediately usable in day‑to‑day operations.

Training Where the Work Happens

One of the most meaningful aspects of this workshop was the decision to deliver it in the field rather than at the client’s headquarters, which is located in a major metropolitan area. Bringing the program onsite created a learning environment that felt connected to the realities of the job. It also made participation easier for technicians and leads from nearby locations, allowing them to engage with the material in a setting that reflected their operational context.

The impact was clear. The group was highly engaged, talkative, and dynamic throughout the three days. With two CAVU coaches present, participants had more opportunities for mentorship, feedback, and one‑on‑one development — an approach that proved especially effective. Videos, exercises, and presentation work resonated strongly, and peer‑to‑peer critique sessions helped build confidence and connection across the group.

A Team That Came Together Quickly

By Day 2, the class was already interacting like a cohesive team. That kind of trust and connection is essential in leadership development. It creates the conditions for honest dialogue, stronger communication, and meaningful learning.

Several moments stood out:

• A participant who initially struggled with public speaking showed noticeable improvement by Days 2 and 3 — an example of how supportive critique and repetition can accelerate growth.
• Another participant requested the lean manufacturing materials so they could take the learning back to their site and teach others — evidence of both engagement and ownership.

Leadership Support That Sets the Tone

The workshop also benefited from visible support from leadership. The client’s Vice President of Operations opened Day 1, and Portland General Electric site leadership joined for Day 3 presentations. Their presence reinforced the importance of leadership development and sent a clear message: growth, accountability, and team performance matter at every level.

A key factor in the success of the workshop was the support of site leadership, who protected participants’ time and avoided pulling them away for high-priority work. They also took part in several workshop activities by observing and providing valuable insight and advice.

Strengthening Leaders Across the Wind Sector

This is the kind of work CAVU is proud to support in the wind industry — practical, operational leadership development that strengthens how leaders think, communicate, and improve in the environments where the work actually happens.

As conversations continue across the industry around performance, safety, and team effectiveness, CAVU looks forward to connecting with others who are committed to building stronger leaders in wind.

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