Human Skills in a Technical World: How to Rethink Your Time on the Shop Floor

January 8, 2025By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

The manufacturing industry is full of complex processes and an emphasis on using AI and other emerging technologies to speed up productivity and improve results. But even though we live in an increasingly technical world, we still need human skills—and improving your human skills can be the key to unlocking true transformation in your manufacturing … Read More

Using Stories to Differentiate Yourself

December 25, 2024By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

In the busy world of manufacturing, how do you make yourself stand out? It’s all about differentiation —and the differentiation expert himself, Mark Levy, recently came onto the Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast to share more! Mark is a business strategist who helps his clients find bold, innovative ways to showcase their big ideas and differentiate themselves … Read More

The Power of Leadership in Addressing Bullying and Cultivating Civility

December 11, 2024By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

Have you ever witnessed bullying or other bad behavior at your plant? When I was with Ford Motor Company early in my career, I witnessed bullying-like behavior that disrupted the organization, and affected outcomes. It made me curious about the role of leadership in compassionately and effectively addressing bullying, which is why I was so … Read More

More Support, Less Micromanaging: Three Lessons Plant Leaders Can Learn from the Fast-Food Industry

November 13, 2024By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

Whether they’re a team leader in a manufacturing plant or the manager at a food-fast restaurant, frontline leaders are often united in a common issue. As leaders, it’s their instinct to jump in and solve problems, rather than let their team members handle the situation. But when leaders handle everything themselves, it can lead to … Read More

A New Approach to Unlocking Sustainable Productivity

October 30, 2024By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

In the bustling world of manufacturing, it’s hard to achieve peak productivity without succumbing to burnout or feeling like you’re always putting out fires! But there’s a key to unlocking productivity while still maintaining a sustainable mindset: mindfulness! Learn more on a recent episode of the Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast featuring guest Sarah Ohanesian! In her … Read More

The Power of People in Transforming Your Organization

October 16, 2024By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

To transform your organization, start with your people! Everyone in your organization has unique gifts, and if you can find a way to harness their potential, you can grow your organization, improve your hiring processes, and build stronger, more connected teams. Hugh Hornsby, the vice president of Everflow Supplies, is an expert in the power … Read More

The Power of Presence and Connection in Manufacturing Leadership

October 2, 2024By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

What’s the secret to retaining your team members and creating an organization where people love to work? DigiKey, an electronic component manufacturing organization in Thief River Falls, Minnesota has it all figured out—and Shane Zutz, their vice president of human resources, recently stopped by Mindfulness Manufacturing to share the stories and lessons behind DigiKey’s success. … Read More

Houseplants and Trees: How to Identify, Nurture, and Retain All Types of Team Members

September 18, 2024By Trevor BlondeelArticles by Trevor, Leadership, Podcast Preview, Productivity

Are your team members houseplants or trees? Learning the difference can be the key to improving retention, reducing turnover, and improving relationships with your team! The houseplant and tree analogy comes from Cara Silletto, the founder, president, and chief retention office of Magnet Culture, a partner in helping organizations reduce turnover and create cultures where … Read More