Jon Heffelfinger: Optimizing Plant Manager Leadership
Unlocking Success in Manufacturing Leadership Let’s explore how to accelerate operational performance and foster effective leadership in manufacturing. To do this, we tapped into the experiences of Jon Heffelfinger, Plant Manager at Hendrickson in Somerset, Kentucky, a global commercial transportation industry manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty truck suspensions.
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5 Ways to Make You a More Efficient Manufacturing Supervisor
The daily grind of a manufacturing supervisor can often feel overwhelming, leading to stress, burnout, and a persistent feeling of being in “constant reaction mode”. However, the goal of every leader is to be less stressed and help their team improve performance. The key to achieving this lies in becoming more efficient, getting the work […]
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Mathew Showalter: Mastering Operational Excellence
What does it truly take for a business to run like a well-oiled machine? How do some companies consistently perform at their peak, while others struggle? This pursuit of efficiency and top-notch quality is what we call “operational excellence.” To better understand it, we spoke with Mathew Showalter, the Plant Manager at Advanced Pedestals Limited. […]
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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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