Between dealing with staffing challenges, hitting targets, and keeping up with mechanical issues leaders are overwhelmed. As you handle everything on your plate, you might find yourself spreading yourself too thin, which can lead to burn-out. It can also hurt your ability to use your energy in the best ways for yourself and your team. … Read More
In manufacturing, it’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day production numbers, KPIs, and hitting targets. But what about the bigger picture? How do we inspire our teams to not only do great work, but to actually want to be part of something greater? To manufacture meaning and drive results, you need to have a … Read More
Modern manufacturing leaders are currently facing unprecedented shifts, from tariffs and labor shortages to rapidly evolving new technologies. In the words of recent Mindfulness Manufacturing guest Cara Moeller Poppitt, manufacturing is seeing some “big freakin’ change!” As the founder of two award-winning companies, Cara ranks among the top 2% of all female entrepreneurs. Through her … Read More
Big Freakin’ Change: How to Gain Confidence by Stepping Out Before You Are Ready | Cara Moeller Poppit, 2025 What’s It All About? This book lives up to its name. Big Freakin Change: How to Gain Confidence by Stepping Out Before You Are Ready is a bold, honest guide for anyone who feels stuck—and doesn’t know what … Read More
What does successful manufacturing leadership have in common with winning big at the casino? It’s all about being an advantage player! What Makes an Advantage Player? An advantage player is someone who goes beyond simply “wanting” success. They are people who are able to win big—and consistently—because they think, see, and act differently than others. … Read More
Leading with Vision: The Leaders Blueprint for Creating a Compelling Vision and Engaging the Workforce | Simon Vetter, Bonnie Hagemann, John Maketa, 2017 What’s It All About? In manufacturing, too many leaders are caught up in metrics and KPIs, yet struggle to connect people to a bigger picture. That disconnect shows up in engagement, retention, … Read More
When you encounter a problem around your house, you can’t always reach for the same tools. This also applies to manufacturing leadership. All your team members are unique individuals with different perspectives and goals, which means you can’t always rely on your go-to solutions. To be an effective leader, you need to shift your approach … Read More
A leadership change at a manufacturing plant can bring a host of unique challenges, from changed team dynamics to cultural shifts. At the same time, it’s also an opportunity for growth and improved greatness. It’s all about taking the right approach! Just ask Joe Carrothers and Kristin Rivait from SWT Group, a manufacturing organization in … Read More
On the manufacturing floor, you have dozens of everyday opportunities for negotiation, from talking with a team member about an upcoming pay raise to trying to get a better deal from a supplier. In your everyday negotiations, what can you do to say less, get more, and make effective changes? You need to master the … Read More
Say Less Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want | Fotini Iconomopoulos, April 2021 What’s It All About? Have you ever shown up ready to collaborate and negotiate, only to find the other person you’re dealing with is being competitive or combative? It’s a frustrating situation, but in her book Say Less, … Read More