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
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
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
When a crisis occurs on the manufacturing floor, you want to add water to the fire, not oil! But in the bustling and technical manufacturing industry, many people overlook the importance of critical thinking and emotional intelligence, which means they might not have the tools and mindset they need to safely and effectively navigate threats, … Read More
Are you too comfortable in your manufacturing role? While stress sounds like something you want to avoid on the manufacturing floor, facing stressful and challenging situations can actually help you grow your mindset, improve your resilience, and change the way you engage with your team. We recently took a deep dive into stress and resilience … Read More
Recently, I heard the story of a GM plant in New York who were struggling to fix a machinery issue that was slowing down production and losing their plant almost $40,000 per week—that’s nearly $1.5 million dollars a year! But then, during a single short meeting, they found a simple and affordable solution. How? They … Read More
In manufacturing, we have a tendency to focus on the technical, like broken parts, mechanical failures, and physical problems. Manufacturing is a fast-paced industry, after all, and when there’s a problem, we want to find the root cause and a solution—and we want to do it as quickly as possible. But if you’re not taking … Read More