Leading Systems Engineering Teams

  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Requirements & Materials
Overview

Leading Systems Engineering Teams

Course Description

Advance from project manager to technical leader with GTRI’s Leading Systems Engineering Teams course. This hands-on, 3-day engineering leadership training equips systems engineers to guide teams through complex, mission-critical challenges. Build vital competencies in systems thinking, coaching, trust-building, and high-stakes decision-making. Through interactive simulations, real-world case studies, and an applied capstone, master frameworks like the NASA leadership competency model, systemigrams, and change management tools. Leave with field-tested job aids to inspire cross-functional teams, resolve friction, and deliver robust engineering solutions.

Course Content

LEADING ENGINEERING TEAMS

  • The NASA systems engineering leadership competency model
  • Characteristics of engineering leaders: Level 5 leadership, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety
  • Building and rebuilding trust on technical teams
  • Feedback and coaching conversations (SBI, GROW)

SYSTEMS THINKING & COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING

  • Systemigrams: visually mapping how a system's parts interact
  • Diagnosing program failure modes (the Six Seeds of Failure)
  • Classifying project complexity and risk (the NTCP framework)
  • Case study: system models for managing a complex situation

BUILDING AND LEADING TEAMS

  • Team formation, trust, and resolving conflict
  • Effective delegation
  • Team leadership for agile and innovative teams

APPLIED CAPSTONE

  • Integrating requirements, team dynamics, and judgment into one decision
  • Presenting and defending a team recommendation
  • Personal leadership commitment and course close

 

Requirements & Materials

Session Details

  • Special Discounts: Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) employees are eligible to receive a discount.  If you are a GTRI employee, please go to the Organizational Development website and look for the coupon code under GT Professional Development. Review coupon instructions for more information.

Who Should Attend

Designed for systems engineers, technical leads, and engineering managers stepping into leadership—or already guiding technical teams and seeking structured, proven frameworks to lead effectively. It is also ideal for program managers directing complex, multidisciplinary engineering projects who want to strengthen team trust.

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What You Will Learn

  • The NASA systems engineering leadership competency model
  • Core leadership traits: emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and trust
  • Feedback and coaching frameworks using the SBI and GROW models
  • Systemigrams for visually mapping complex system-of-systems interactions
  • Diagnosing program failure modes with the Six Seeds of Failure and NTCP model
  • Strategies for effective delegation and technical conflict resolution
  • Capstone integration of technical requirements and team judgment
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How You Will Benefit

  • Lead Beyond Management: Transition from tracking tasks to inspiring technical excellence using the NASA leadership competency model.
  • Diagnose System Risks Early: Apply Systemigrams, NTCP risk classification, and the Six Seeds of Failure to prevent project blind spots.
  • Master High-Stakes Conversations: Use structured SBI and GROW frameworks to deliver actionable feedback, build trust, and resolve technical conflicts.
  • Lead Through Uncertainty: Strengthen sound engineering judgment and decision-making during fast-paced, high-consequence project phases.
  • Deploy Field-Tested Tools: Leave with practical job aids and a personal leadership commitment plan ready to implement with your home team.
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  • Taught by Experts in the Field icon
    Taught by Experts in the Field

The course schedule was well-structured with a mix of lectures, class discussions, and hands-on exercises led by knowledgeable and engaging instructors.

- Abe Kani
President

TRAIN AT YOUR LOCATION

We enable employers to provide specialized, on-location training on their own timetables. Our world-renowned experts can create unique content that meets your employees' specific needs. We also have the ability to deliver courses via web conferencing or on-demand online videos. For 15 or more students, it is more cost-effective for us to come to you.

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  • Flexible Schedule
  • Group Training
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  • On-Site Training
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