Leadership Development: A Crucial Need in Manufacturing

The stakes are high in the manufacturing industry. The work environment is not just challenging but also potentially dangerous, involving a complex interplay of people, machines, technologies, and intricate processes. Leadership in such a setting is not merely about guiding a team; it’s about ensuring that all these moving parts come together efficiently and safely to achieve success. However, the journey to effective leadership in manufacturing is often fraught with challenges, particularly when the individuals being promoted into leadership roles are those who excel technically but may lack leadership experience. A lack of effective leadership can lead to safety hazards, inefficiencies, and ultimately, a failure to meet production goals.

When I was only 21, I was thrust into a leadership position in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Squad Leader. It was March 2003, and we were invading Iraq. Half of the people in my squad were older than me, and the other half were only 18 or 19 years old. Plus, I had just been promoted, so many of my subordinates were my friends and peers just months before. The great part about the Marine Corps was their focus on leadership development. Thankfully, I used this to my advantage at a very young age in an actual combat situation. This experience as a young Marine showed me firsthand how important it is to equip new leaders, especially when there is a lot on the line—something the military and manufacturing are both keenly aware of.

One of the biggest challenges in manufacturing is that leadership roles are often filled by technicians who have been promoted due to their technical proficiency. These individuals are the backbone of the operation, with deep knowledge of the facility’s inner workings. They understand the machines, systems, and processes better than anyone else, making them natural candidates for leadership positions. However, while they may be experts in operations, they often lack formal leadership training, which can lead to difficulties when they are thrust into leadership roles.

Promoting technically proficient individuals into leadership without the necessary leadership skills can create a significant gap. These new leaders may struggle with managing teams, strategic decision-making, and fostering a positive workplace culture. This gap can hinder the overall effectiveness of the operation, as technical expertise alone is not enough to lead a team successfully in a manufacturing environment.

This gap in leadership also has broader implications. According to a Gallup poll, about 50% of employees have left a job to get away from their manager at some point in their career. This statistic underscores a critical point: bad leaders create more turnover. High turnover rates can be costly for companies, both in terms of the resources needed to hire and train new employees and the loss of institutional knowledge and experience. One of the most effective ways to reduce turnover is by developing good leaders who can foster a positive work environment, manage teams effectively, and support their employees’ growth.

To bridge this gap, companies need to provide robust leadership development programs. These programs should be tailored to the unique challenges of manufacturing, equipping new leaders with the skills they need to manage people, processes, and technologies effectively.

For example, the Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) offers a Manufacturing Frontline Leadership (MFL) Certificate that is 100% online. This certificate program is designed to develop leadership skills in technical professionals advancing into management roles. The flexibility of the MFL Certificate allows it to be used as a standalone program or integrated into a company’s existing leadership development initiatives. This approach can significantly reduce the need for extended in-person training sessions, meaning companies can keep their leaders on the floor, maintaining productivity while still ensuring they receive essential leadership training.

Investing in leadership development is not just about improving individual performance; it’s about building a culture of success. When leaders are both technically proficient and skilled in leadership, they can foster an environment where safety, efficiency, and innovation thrive. These leaders become the foundation of a positive company culture, one that encourages teamwork, continuous improvement, and a shared commitment to achieving goals. Additionally, fostering strong leadership can significantly reduce turnover, saving the company time and resources while creating a more stable and productive work environment.

This article was written by Wes Smith , Director of Workforce Solutions at MSI. If you have any questions or would like to connect, feel free to reach out on LinkedIn or email us at communications@msi-workforce.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to the MSI Workforce Perspectives LinkedIn Newsletter for the latest insights and updates.