Are you leading like a thermometer or a thermostat? If you spend most of your time reacting to problems around your plant, you might be a thermometer. You’re reacting and reflecting the mood and energy around you but not actually setting the tone for your team. To drive motivation and show up as a stronger … Read More
Leadership
Thermostatic Leadership: The Quiet Power of Creating Balance and Influence
Thermostatic Leadership: The Quiet Power of Creating Balance and Influence | Sheri Miller Holt, 2025 What’s It All About? In manufacturing, leaders sometimes need to pick up a different tool and work through a challenge until everything flows smoothly and productively again. But what happens if you’re using the wrong tool, or trying to apply … Read More
Culture Improvement Starts with Self-Awareness in Leadership
Change is inevitable. In our personal lives or professional environments, we all face moments that push us into uncomfortable territory. While change can be daunting, learning how to effectively navigate uncertainty and discomfort is essential for leaders who want to grow their mindset, shift from panic to curiosity, and show up as their best selves … Read More
Break the Blame Cycle: Approaches to Solving Problems
In today’s manufacturing environments especially in fast-paced operations. Strong leadership is less about having all the answers and more about asking the right questions. Leaders who foster curiosity instead of judgement are better equipped to uncover root causes, build trust, and drive long-term improvements. Here are four takeaways for manufacturing leaders looking to elevate performance … Read More
Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling
Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling | Matthew Dicks, 2018 What’s It All About? This book came to me from my writing partner Brian Herriot, who said it took his storytelling to the next level. After reading it, I can see why it came so highly recommended. Matthew … Read More
Closing the Generational Gap: What Manufacturing Leaders Must Get Right Now
The manufacturing workforce is always shifting, especially as millennials and Gen Z workers start to have a bigger impact. Generational differences can mean big challenges, but they’re also an opportunity for deeper conversations and creative solutions. By focusing on purpose, recognizing generational differences, and fostering open dialogue, you can create a culture where everyone feels … Read More
Why Your Team Lacks Motivation—And How You Can Improve It
Motivated teams don’t have to be a myth. With the right mindset and cultural changes, any leader can cultivate a motivated and engaged team. Three Strategies for Building Engagement and Driving Motivation #1. Inspire Others to Motivate Themselves While you can’t always motivate others, you can create a workplace environment where everyone feels inspired to … Read More
It’s time to embrace the power of curiosity and intention
Do you want drive results, retain your team, and create a culture where people show up and stick around? Then it’s time to embrace the power of curiosity and intention! Through asking question questions and fostering intentional conversations, you can find new ways to connect with your employees, create better results, and encourage a culture … Read More
Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations That Matter
Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations That Matter | Will Wise and Chad Littlefield, April 2017 What’s It All About? In Ask Powerful Questions:Create Conversations That Matter, authors Will Wise and Chad Littlefield lay out a simple, practical framework for turning surface-level talk into real conversations that build trust. It’s not about asking more questions — … Read More
Three Practical Strategies for Commanding A Crisis
Are you ready to navigate a crisis at your manufacturing plant? No one wants to think about something bad happening to their organization, but if you want the tools to confidently, safely, and successfully navigate a challenging situation, you need to be proactive. Instead of simply avoiding the topic or hoping for the best, follow … Read More










