How to Handle Difficult Conversations at Work as a Manufacturing Manager: 3 Conversations Every Manufacturing Manager Should Master
Out on the manufacturing floor, things move fast. There are processes to refine, deadlines to hit, and most importantly, a team of good people to lead. As a manufacturing manager, your ability to handle difficult conversations at work is fundamental to getting the job done right. These aren’t the chats we look forward to, and […]
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Megan Barder: Leadership Development and Operational Performance Strategies
Achieving optimal organizational performance hinges on strong leadership. On the Accelerating Operational Performance podcast, we explore the connection between leadership development and operational excellence, highlighting how they can reduce stress and drive success. Megan Barder, Head of Organizational Development at Votorantim Cementos North America (VCNA), a global building materials company known for developing its people […]
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Effective Strategies to Manage a Multigenerational Workforce Team
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Multigenerational Teams It seems like everyone’s talking about diversity and the different generational groups in the workplace these days, but what does it really mean for you and your team on the floor? Is it just about ticking boxes, or is there genuine value in embracing multigenerational dynamics? The Changing […]
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Lorne Kelton: The Impact of Leadership Behavioral Change
Traditional leadership development can fall short, leaving trainers, organizations and participants wondering about its lasting impact. You’ve likely experienced this yourself: attending a workshop, listening to an inspiring keynote, and then returning to your daily work with good intentions but little tangible change. This common scenario highlights a disconnect between theoretical learning and practical application—a […]
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The Value of Embracing Workplace Diversity for Frontline Leadership
Effective frontline leadership today requires understanding and leveraging workplace diversity. While diversity is a popular topic these days, its practical meaning and application on the floor deserve closer examination. Is it merely an HR metric, or does embracing diversity hold genuine value for team effectiveness?
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Dr. Gwen Acton: Essential Leadership Skills for Scientists
Dr. Gwen Acton: Essential Leadership Skills for Scientists Imagine this: you’re a brilliant scientist, deeply immersed in scientific research and discovery. Your work at the lab bench has led to significant advancements, and your technical expertise is undeniable. Then comes the promotion—a step up into a leadership role.
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How Being Too Busy Affects Manufacturing Leadership Effectiveness
It’s easy for leaders to get caught in the “busy” trap. Many want to do a better job at leading, but they often find themselves bogged down by tasks that take away their time from valuable team interaction.
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Kirby Griffin: Linking Leadership Directly to Operational Performance
The North American manufacturing industry has become unpredictable, and the uncertainty of outside forces has made operational performance more critical than ever. How efficiently and effectively does your organization turn resources like time, money, and people into valuable products or services? Improving operational results is essential for staying competitive and achieving long-term success.
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Reduce Operational Performance Variance: Leadership Strategies for Consistent Business Performance
Have you ever experienced that strange feeling of déjà vu, but in reverse? You visit one location of a favorite restaurant chain and have a fantastic experience—clean environment, friendly staff, quick service. But then, you visit another location of the exact same chain across town, perhaps operating under the same franchise agreement and systems, only […]
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The Challenge of Retaining Manufacturing Employees
The manufacturing industry faces a significant and persistent challenge: high employee turnover. While not every company struggles equally, the overall trend points towards a higher rate of people leaving manufacturing jobs than in other industries. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience but a substantial drain on resources, productivity, and morale.
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