Course

Bridging Technical and Frontline Leadership for Safer, Stronger, and More Collaborative Teams

Level: Introductory
Facilitator: Samin Saadat, Jalapeno Employee Engagement

Abstract:
In mining operations, the partnership between technical and frontline leaders is essential for safety, productivity, and innovation. Yet, these groups often operate in silos. Technical leaders design systems and plans informed by data, models, and risk assessments, while frontline managers must navigate the unpredictable realities of fieldwork, where conditions shift by the hour and decisions carry immediate financial and operational consequences that can quickly impact the bottom line.

This disconnect can lead to communication breakdowns, misaligned priorities, and a lack of trust. Technical teams may underestimate on-site complexities, while frontline staff may view new directives as impractical or disconnected from reality. Differing safety perceptions, time pressures, and limited psychological safety to raise concerns can further widen the gap, ultimately undermining collaboration and performance.

This course explores the tension between these two environments and focuses on how leaders can bridge that gap through psychological safety, collaboration, and aligned leadership. Psychological safety is not only essential for effective teamwork but also forms the foundation of physical safety in mining environments.

Through interactive case studies, scenario analysis, and reflection exercises drawn from real mining contexts, participants will learn to build trust across teams, enhance communication, and align technical and operational realities to drive safer, stronger, and more connected performance.

Short Course Objectives:
By the end of this short course, participants will be able to: 

• Recognize and tabulate the underlying causes of tension between technical and frontline leadership roles. 

• Understand how psychological safety impacts collaboration, decision-making, and physical safety outcomes. 

• Apply practical tools to create open, blame-free communication across functions. 

• Strengthen leadership presence, empathy, and listening to enhance mutual understanding. 

• Design collaborative structures and feedback loops that align strategic goals with operational realities.

Target Audience: 

• Frontline Supervisors and Managers 

• Project Managers 

• Technical and Operations Managers 

• Engineering and Maintenance Leaders 

• Emerging Leaders transitioning into cross-functional roles

About the instructor: 
With over a decade of experience in organizational psychology, Samin Saadat has helped leaders and companies build healthy and high-performing work environments. She holds a Master’s degree from the Sauder School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Samin combines extensive research with practical expertise in coaching and consulting, focusing on bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. She has designed and taught courses in organizational development and leadership coaching for master’s students and executives at educational institutions, aligning academic insights with workforce needs. As the founder of Jalapeño Employee Engagement (a technology and consulting firm specializing in organizational and leadership development), she empowers small and midsize teams with tools to enhance well-being, innovation, and productivity. Samin is also a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, where she shares insights on workforce resilience and leadership. Her dedication to a holistic, evidence-based approach continues to make a meaningful impact in the field.