New
In today鈥檚 dynamic manufacturing environment, operational leaders are not just managing production 鈥� they are facilitating change, driving improvement and influencing others. This workshop prepares manufacturing and operations leaders with the practical tools and leadership mindset needed to lead effectively in fast-paced environments.
You will explore systems that sustain high performance, develop your ability to coach and communicate and learn how to lead technology adoption and change initiatives with confidence. You’ll leave with hands-on tools to improve daily operations while building trust, engagement and influence.
This course can be applied to the following certificate:
Engineering Leadership Certificate
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
- Understand the role of a modern manufacturing leader and the systems and behaviors that support high performance
- Learn and apply tools for daily management, leader standard work, coaching, negotiation and root-cause problem solving
- Build and test plans to solve real-world leadership, operational and technology-driven challenges within teams
Course Outline/Topics
Day 1: Leading Self
Developing Awareness, Accountability and a Problem-Solving Mindset
You will explore your personal leadership approach and understand how your behavior impacts team outcomes. Through self-assessment and reflection, you will identify personal growth opportunities and begin applying structured thinking to your challenges.
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Defining operations leadership: what great leaders do
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Leadership mindsets and behaviors that drive performance
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Self-assessment: understanding your style (optional tool: Predictive Index, DISC)
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Identifying barriers to team performance
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Guide vs Hero: a problem solving mindset
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Exploring personal strengths in communication, influence and negotiation
Day 2: Leading Systems
Daily Management, Standard Work and Visual Accountability
Day two focuses on building and managing the systems that sustain performance. You will learn how to lead through structure and routine, using visual tools and tiered daily management to create alignment and flow.
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Daily Management Systems (DMS): tier boards, metrics and huddles
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Leader Standard Work: driving focus and follow-through
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Standard work and 5S for visual control
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Introduction to root cause tools: 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram
Day 3: Leading Others
Coaching, Communication, Negotiation and Leading Change
The final day focuses on influencing others through communication, coaching and the ability to lead change 鈥� including technology adoption. You will explore how to 鈥渟ell鈥� ideas internally, manage resistance and facilitate team-based improvement conversations.
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Coaching skills for problem solvers: levels of listening, situational coaching
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Facilitating improvement conversations and team sessions
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Negotiating and influencing: using your leadership style to gain buy-in
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Introducing and leading adoption of new technologies (e.g., Agentic AI, Power BI, Computer Vision, advanced Excel, error recognition tools)
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Training staff on technology through a change management lens
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Leading through resistance: how to manage change and sustain momentum
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Reinforcement: building trust, recognition and follow-up systems
Who Should Attend
Frontline and mid-level manufacturing or operations leaders, high-potential team leads and supervisors, functional leaders seeking to increase influence and effectiveness on the shop floor, professionals responsible for team performance, production goals or continuous improvement