Manufacturing Teamwork and Accountability: Leading with the Thermostat Mindset

November 12, 2025By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

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

Thermostatic Leadership: The Quiet Power of Creating Balance and Influence

November 8, 2025By Trevor BlondeelBook Reviews, Leadership

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

October 29, 2025By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

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

October 15, 2025By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

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

Closing the Generational Gap: What Manufacturing Leaders Must Get Right Now

October 1, 2025By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

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

September 17, 2025By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

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

September 3, 2025By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

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

September 1, 2025By Trevor BlondeelBook Reviews, Leadership

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