Unlike a traditional, authoritarian style of leadership at mining environments that views a transactional culture as essential to the functionality of a workplace, industrial and mining education institution DYNA Training MD Roland Innes says it is important to pair technical expertise with emotional intelligence (EI) training.

He believes that this will benefit all levels of the workforce, and that improved operational performance across all key metrics of a mining operation can be achieved by instilling a culture that is supported by a high EI level in the workplace, starting with top-level staff.

This will ensure more effective accountability, communication and collaboration, as well as working more cohesively to achieve a shared goal.

“Mining has traditionally concentrated on technical and operational aspects, often referred to as the ‘hard stuff’, while overlooking the ‘soft skills’, such as EI.”

However, Innes adds that there is a growing recognition that EI provides a “strategic advantage” in soft-skills development.

To address this, DYNA Training focuses on providing mining clients with training to improve individual and organisational performance by moving away from a “tasks- and results-driven” work environment, to an emotionally intelligent workforce.

The company assists in helping top-level mine personnel to identify low EI behaviour through observation, which can prompt authorities to take corrective action to develop better EI levels through advanced learning methodologies that bolster experiential learning and training.

It focuses on incorporating a combination of AI, machine learning and innovative technologies, such as sociometric sensors, to gauge individual behaviour in an organisation. Indicators can include heart rate, voice tone and proximity between people.

The company also provides supervisors and team leaders at mining operations with training programmes to improve their ability to execute strategies and communicate with colleagues, as well as measures to boost team performance.

For example, the DYNA Training Best Management Skills programme provides EI training for mid-level managers to boost their efficiency in overseeing front-line leaders.

The DYNA Training CORE First-Line Management and Supervisory Programme introduces first-line leaders at a mining operation to a comprehensive skills set, which includes EI training for efficiently carrying out tasks and supervising on-the-ground workers.

“When mine personnel, especially managers and supervisors, are emotionally intelligent, they are better able to build trust, communicate effectively and inspire their teams. DYNA Training supports this shift by equipping mine personnel with the skills and awareness needed to lead with EI, thereby enhancing . . . individual and organisational performance.”

However, Innes notes that this process of EI training is not just a “quick fix”, and that “EI training is part of a broader, long-term commitment to building an emotionally intelligent culture within a mining operation . . . it requires sustained effort, starting at the top of the organisation and filtering throughout every level”.

DYNA Training will focus on reducing the negative impacts of authoritative, transactional mining environments on personnel by developing EI education and training programmes for first-level workers.

“These employees may be hesitant to trust or engage, due to their past experiences. That’s why we believe it's essential to approach EI training from . . . the top and bottom of the organisation, to build a healthier, safer and more effective work environment for all,” he concludes.