Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

On the manufacturing floor, leaders do not aim to be average. They aim to build teams that are engaged, inspired, and performing at their best.

In this episode, Dustin E. James, founder of Moments Leadership, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, employee engagement, and productivity for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Supervisors.

Dustin explains how communication skills, authentic leadership, and growth mindset help leaders strengthen trust building and accountability. You will learn practical strategies for workforce retention, difficult conversations, and team development that create manufacturing cultures where people feel energized, connected, and motivated to achieve stronger results.

1:40 – Energy comes in many different forms

3:00 – What is the balance between having a routine and bringing fresh energy into work every day?

3:10 – There isn't a single person on your team who doesn't want to be recognized for their good—when your team feels like they're being acknowledged for doing more than just the average, they'll continue to show up with new energy and motivation

4:34 – As a leader, it's your job to show your team how amazing they are

8:00 – We all have bad days filled with struggles, challenges, but there is always a life lesson to be found in hard experiences

8:25 – Even when you are doing something challenging or difficult, there are still opportunities to grow your own mindset or help or inspire someone else. You never know when you'll find a great lesson!

8:45 – If we want to learn new lessons and find new energy, we have to show up and be present every day instead of just embracing "average"

11:09 – As a leader, it's important to know your team member's individual goals and what motivates them

12:22 – In order to really connect, you need to know what makes each team member tick!

14:03 – "I see that you're doing your best" can be a powerful way to start conversations and better connection with your team

15:19 – As a leader, it's important to recognize that your team members are often doing the best they can and embracing that fact can help you build trust and move forward in productive ways.

16:08 – Trying to get someone to improve to change their behavior can be a big drain of energy—what are some ways to deal with this?

17:16 – Everyone on your team has something good that can be said about them

19:04 – At the end of the day, it all comes down to showing up and being there as a leader to your team. There's always going to be new challenges, but it's up to you to find lessons and energy in each day

20:00 – Always give your very best. Don't show up to be second!

21:52 – Our best days are always ahead of us

Connect with Dustin E. James

Moments Leadership website

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

Showing appreciation is one of the most powerful ways manufacturing leaders can strengthen engagement, trust, and productivity.

In this episode, Lisa Johnson, global human resources professional and founder of HR Know How LLC, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, employee engagement, and workforce retention for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Supervisors.

Lisa explains how communication skills, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership help leaders show genuine appreciation while strengthening trust building and accountability. You will learn practical strategies for feedback delivery, difficult conversations, and growth mindset that support productivity and create manufacturing cultures where people feel valued, connected, and motivated to perform.

1:13 – The strongest managers and leaders have a consistent practice for showing appreciation

1:40 – Showing consistent appreciation has many benefits, including increased morale and employees who are willing to go the extra mile

4:10 – While general positive feedback is often well-received, it is even better to offer specific positive feedback to individual employees

7:00 – Appreciation shouldn't be scheduled! Rather, you should weave it into your day-to-day interactions

8:15 – How you manage and organize you appreciation depends on your leadership style. One tip is to leave voice notes for yourself in your phone, so you can go back later and remember exactly what you wanted to say to your team member

11:58 – Giving appreciation can mean the difference between an average employee and an inspired employee who comes in feeling excited to work and ready to give it their all

14:37 – As a leader, you need to practice discipline to figure out the best feedback and appreciation practices

18:39 – Documentation matters. If you observe someone's good behavior but later forget to say something, it won't make a difference.

20:30 – Good appreciation practices can trickle-up to positively impact your whole organization

23:23 – Is there such a thing as too much appreciation?

24:00 – When showing appreciation, don't forget to be transparent and specific

Connect with Lisa Johnson

HR Know-How website

Email

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

In manufacturing leadership, you must take care of your own leadership behaviors before you can fully support your team.

In this episode, Dean Heffta, speaker and trainer with Clarus Results, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Supervisors.

Dean explains how self awareness, trust building, and authentic leadership help leaders overcome communication challenges. You will learn practical strategies for feedback delivery, growth mindset, and accountability that support workforce retention and create manufacturing cultures where clear, effective communication drives success.

1:45 – "I know what I said, but I don't know what you heard." How do we overcome miscommunications on the manufacturing floor?

1:52 – As a leader, your role is to be aware, set expectations, and create a workplace environment that facilitates understanding

3:20 – Overcoming miscommunications begins with "healthy" leadership

6:45 – As a leader, put yourself not in a position of authority, but more of a position to facilitate. Taking less of a "boss" role and more of a collaborative role can lead to finding new solutions and creating a stronger workplace dynamic.

8:00 – Don't assume you know what others are thinking or what they need!

9:15 – The people who get promoted into leadership roles are often hard workers who are very driven and can't get the best results . . . but is this the mindset they need to be a great leader or manager?

12:00 – When miscommunications occur, it can often be attributed to "distress." When people are under stress, they are more likely to make mistakes or be less engaged, which can lead to miscommunications.

14:00 – Different personalities are speaking different languages. If you're not in tune with how another person communicates or "behavior signals," it can also contribute to communications breakdowns.

17:05 – To start with fixing communication issues in your workplace, start with becoming more aware of your own behavior. Learn your own behavioral style, think about the everyday language you use, and work to become more energized and present as a leader

18:40 – "Put on your own mask before helping others." You've probably heard this on planes during safety instructions, but it also applies to leadership and fixing your own behavior before you turn to helping others

21:45- It's only natural to want to avoid stress or do things you find rewarding. But to improve your leadership behavior, be intentional and seek out ways to learn

22:30 – Because we are storytellers, we have a tendency to make up stories about people and their behavior.

23:00 – One way to increase your awareness is to write down how much time you spent with certain people, then use it to analyze who you should be talking to more to improve behavior and overcome your own communications barriers

26:00 – When avoid miscommunications, it all comes down to mindset

Connect with Dean

Website

LinkedIn

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

Serendipity in manufacturing? It may sound unlikely, but unexpected moments can create powerful opportunities for connection, growth, and innovation.

In this episode, Noah Graff of Graff Pinkert and the Swarfcast podcast shares insights on manufacturing leadership, strategic thinking, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Supervisors.

Drawing from his experience sourcing manufacturing equipment around the world, Noah explains how growth mindset, curiosity, and authentic leadership help leaders turn challenges into opportunity. You will learn practical strategies for problem solving, workforce development, and continuous improvement that strengthen accountability, improve productivity, and create manufacturing cultures where adaptability drives long term success.

2:00 – What does it mean to be a "treasure hunter" in manufacturing?

5:00 – Someone's trash always has the potential to be someone else's treasure—you just need to have the right mindset to find it!

6:22 – It's amazing what you can find by keeping an open mind and always looking for the unexpected

9:00 – Serendipity isn't just about being in the right place at the right time. You also have to be in the right mindset.

9:42 – What's the difference between mindfulness and luck?

11:30 – Many leaders have either a growth mindset or a fixed mindset, but leaders can also consider a "serendipity" mindset

12:00 – To embrace a serendipity mindset, one strategy is serendipity bombs, or seeking multiple people who can help you complete a task, like finding a piece of machinery or doing research for an article

14:00 – Another tactic is serendipity hooks, or opening up a conversation to find new opportunities

15:45 – By being open to new conversations with new people, you can find great and unexpected opportunities—don't be afraid to be the spark for a conversation!

Connect with Noah Graff:

Graff-Pinkert website

Swarfcast Podcast

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

Have you ever left a conversation on the manufacturing floor feeling misunderstood or frustrated by repeated requests that never seem to stick? Your words may be the missing link.

In this episode, Phil M. Jones, influence expert and author of Exactly What to Say, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Supervisors.

Phil explains how intentional language, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership strengthen trust building and accountability. You will learn practical strategies for feedback delivery, difficult conversations, and growth mindset that improve productivity, support workforce retention, and create manufacturing cultures where conversations drive action and results.

3:00 – Leaders are often asked questions from their team, customer base, and others. As a leader, it's not always your job to provide an answer. Instead, what you often need to do is add an increased layer of clarity.

4:30 – "Help me understand" is a very powerful phase. Example: instead of saying "why haven't you done this safety check?" ask "help me understand why you believe it's important that we need to do a safety check."

5:30 – Don't default to "tell" mode. Be curious and think about the best ways to serve your community and solve the problem.

6:30 – Questions are usually a strong way to start productive conversations.

8:00 – In great conversations, intentionality is key. This is important in all industries and even relationships outside work, like with your partner or children.

9:30 – Conversations should be fueled from a position of curiosity.

10:00 – If you don't understanding someone's context, your content is not going to get through to them. Take time to earn someone else's context before you add more noise!

10:30 – To find someone's context, try questions like "when was the last time . . ." or "how do you think it made us feel?"

11:11 – If you've told someone to do something multiple times and they're still not getting it, the problem might actually be YOU and your communication

12:30 – Don't focus on what you need to say. Ask yourself what the other person needs to hear to understand what you're saying.

13:03 – "I'm guessing you haven't got around to it . . ." is another impactful conversations starter that sets you up for productive dialogue and finding solutions.

13:30 – Let others "own" the solution.

13:37 – You don't want an answer—you want things to get done!

16:45 – Even if you think you're able to think quickly, time some extra time to think about what you need instead of just blurting out the first thoughts that come to mind

19:05 – People do things for their own reasons, not for yours

19:45 – Questions start conversations, conversations become relationships, relationships create opportunities, and from new opportunities you can drive new actions

22:45 – When you need to get someone's attention, assume everyone is always busy and be dirct and intentional with your request

26:15 – Using the right words is important when communications by email, too. Don't put too many questions into one email and be sure you give the other person something to respond to.

Connect with Phil M. Jones:

Website

Find additional resources at ExactlyWhatToSay.com

Buy Exactly What To Say

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

"I want to take a vacation, but I'm worried about falling behind." This mindset is common on the manufacturing floor and contributes to burnout, retention challenges, and quiet quitting.

In this episode, Joe Mull, speaker and author, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, employee engagement, and workforce retention for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Supervisors.

Joe explains how communication skills, authentic leadership, and growth mindset help leaders address labor shortages and improve team morale. You will learn practical strategies for boundary setting, difficult conversations, and feedback delivery that support productivity, reduce burnout, and create manufacturing cultures where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay.

2:00 – There is a massive recalibration going on right now about how work fits into our lives, which is something that started even before the pandemic

3:45 – The modern employee is firm about their boundaries and what they want from a workplace

5:20 – The number one reason why people don't take a needed vacation is fear of falling behind at work – how can we combat this?

6:00 – It's on the organization and leadership to set boundaries that will help others take time off to relax and recharge. They need to implement policies that honor time-off and their team's concerns about falling behind if they take a vacation

10:00 – As a leader, sometimes you have to learn to operate without the team members you need, so they can set boundaries and take time off

13:50 – People aren't "quiet quitting." They're just updating to a job that better fits their needs and boundaries.

15:30 – What are some of the reasons for a decrease in the labor force, especially in industries like manufacturing?

18:43 – In today's labor market, employees aren't going to settle for less or put up with a job where they're treated unfairly or not given time off

22:00 – Sometimes, employees quit but "forget to leave" and just go through the motions without much effort or passion – these are the quiet quitters

26:00 – Leaders can embrace storytelling to show their employees how they're doing valuable work every day – show how your organization's everyday work changes real lives

28:30 – With supply chain shortages and other issues, we need to sustain ourselves and the people who work for us

29:48 – Commitment is the key!

Connect with Joe Mull:

Website

Preorder Employalty

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

There's a lot manufacturing leaders can learn from sharks — just ask Kenneth "Shark" Kinney.

In this episode, Shark — speaker, marketing strategist, and podcast host — shares how curiosity and fearless leadership help Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors build their brand, connect with their community, and lead with confidence.

We talk practical communication skills, authentic leadership, and simple social media strategies to strengthen visibility and trust — plus lessons from Shark's real-life shark diving that translate directly to leadership on the shop floor.

1:00 – We can use our personal brands to make real change

3:12 – Manufacturing leadership is a lot like diving with sharks—you need curiosity, bravery, respect, and boundaries. Be fearless and dive deeper!

4:40 – Your leadership image goes far beyond the four walls of your manufacturing plant

6:00 – When telling your brand's story, be clear, concise, and always remember who your real audience is. Focus on community, not just the company

8:45 – Show the humans behind your brand and organization, not just "stock imagery"

11:00 – When it comes to matters like supporting a charity, think about the true identity behind your brand and think about what will engage your team and community

15:00 – Your employees are going to talk on social media, so why not work to make sure they always have something positive to say about your leadership and organization?

18:00 – LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building your brand and finding your community—one great tip for building your brand is to engage with other people's post on LinkedIn

24:00 – When someone in your organization does a great job, don't shy away from praising them on social media like LinkedIn

26:00 – If your employees are active on social media or talking about your organization online, it doesn't have to be a bad thing, as long as you make sure they have positive things to say by treating your team well

28:00 – Social media is a great tool for showing your most authentic self

33:30 – You have to play an active role in your organization's community, or else you'll miss out on many opportunities for branding and engagement

Connect with Kenneth "Shark" Kinney

Website

Email

LinkedIn

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

Becoming a leader, not just a manager or supervisor, requires mindset shifts, difficult conversations, and consistent behavior change on the manufacturing floor.

In this episode, Dr. Andy Neillie, speaker, corporate trainer, and author, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, growth mindset, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Supervisors.

Dr. Andy explains how communication skills, authentic leadership, and accountability help leaders strengthen trust building and improve team performance. You will learn practical strategies for feedback delivery, workforce development, and strategic thinking that support productivity, retention, and create manufacturing cultures where leaders confidently guide their teams toward better results.

3:30 – Due to COVID-19, the Great Resignation, and other recent events, leaders need to shift their mindset to understand their team member's needs on issues like flexibility—as a leader, you need to evolve with the times

6:00 – As a leader, it's not about you. It's about your team!

7:00 "There's nothing new in leadership. Once you get past Marcus Aurelius and Jesus Christ, there's really nothing new."

8:10 – To be a good leader, you first have to be a good person. If you show bad behavior or poor management, people will not respect you or want to work for you.

10:00 – "The four Cs of being a leader are conviction, competence, character, and covenant"

13:00 – If you shun hard conversations with your team, your employees will never grow, learn, or know when they're missing an opportunity for improvement

14:45 – Being a leader takes bravery and you need to have the responsibility and stewardship to have those hard conversations and take care of the bottom line

15:50 – Once you've written someone off as no longer competent at their role, you've lost your title of leadership and your position to help them. If that's your mindset, it's either time for you to grow or let that team member go.

16:50 – It's the leader's responsibility to build and represent the rest of the team

18:00 – Your team isn't necessarily your "family" because businesses have production goals and need to perform outward facing tasks – the goal isn't to make everyone feel good about themselves, but to win the game when it comes to profits and production

21:05 – Don't forget to document the positive feedback, too! However, you have to be geninue with your compliments and positivity

29:00 – "Extend grace to the teachable"

30:00 – Leadership takes courage

Connect with Dr. Andy Neillie

Download a copy of The Three Imperatives of Leadership Conversations here.

Website

Email

Buy The Golden Principle: Life and Leadership Lessons from a Rescued Dog

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

In this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing, Tracy Hooper — founder of The Confidence Project and author of The Now Hello — joins the conversation to share practical tools for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors who want to communicate with clarity and lead with confidence.

Tracy breaks down simple, real-world strategies — from eye contact to starting and ending conversations on the floor — that strengthen leadership presence, improve communication skills, and build trust with your team. We also talk about how confidence directly impacts culture, engagement, and how leaders show up during everyday interactions on the shop floor.

1:36 – Confidence isn't something you're born with. It can be learned from practicing and taking action

3:15 – Complimenting someone is a great way to kickstart a positive conversation—but make sure it's an authentic compliment

6:00 – "How" and "what" are great magic words for starting a open-ended conversation with confidence, but avoid starting with "why" because it can make others feel defensive

9:00 – If you're always talking and never listening, you'll never really learn anything

10:06 – Use the three-sentence rule - saying three sentences, then pausing to let the other person speak or respond

11:15 – Pay attention to body language, too!

15:00 – Even introverted leaders can become confident speakers, especially if they practice first with people they respect and trust

16:30 – To speak with confidence, you always have to learn how to let others speak

17:20 – When giving difficult feedback, "I" statements can help you have a productive conversation without making the other person feel defensive

19:30 – There is power in being brief

23:00 – If you only have a few minutes for a conversation, be a timeframe and be direct by asking to-the-point questions

29:00 – Always look the other person in the eyes when having a conversation to make them feel valued and acknowledged

Connect with Tracy Hooper

The Confidence Project

Email

Buy The Now Hello

Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor's monthly newsletter.

Now, let's jump in!

As manufacturing becomes more driven by automation and technology, human leadership matters more than ever.

In this episode, Kate O'Neil, tech humanist and founder of KO Insights, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, strategic thinking, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Supervisors.

Kate explains how communication skills, growth mindset, and authentic leadership help leaders balance innovation with human connection. You will learn practical strategies for workforce development, upskilling, and trust building that support productivity, improve retention, and create manufacturing cultures where technology enhances people instead of replacing them.

1:30 – How can we reclaim our agency?

2:53 – When a lot of manufacturing is being done by machines, it's critical to find a balance between automation and human decision making

3:56 – As we use more and more technology and automation in the manufacturing sphere, human roles actually become more important than ever, especially when it comes to creating safe and effective procedures

7:19 – When using data, consider the humans on the other side

12:50 – Leaders need to determine the processes and nuances behind data, and this often means asking questions instead of just relying on hard data

16:30 "Machines are what we encode of ourselves"

17:50 – What does it mean to lead in a technology-driven world?

21:00 – Leaders and their organizations need to be careful about how they use public trust and responsibility with data and data gathering

23:00 – Due to issues like climate change, supply chain shortages, and labor issues, leaders are in a tougher position than ever, especially when it comes to decision-making

25:00 – Are you aligned with history in the way you want to be?

27:00 – Your actions today are tomorrow's history

29:00 – Social media is important for manufacturing leaders, but be wary of false information

32:00 – When used correctly and responsibility, technology is a powerful tool for manufacturing leaders

Contact Kate O'Neil:

Website

Twitter

Books