140 De-Escalation And Conflict Prevention: Keys To Manufacturing Safety With Carol Cambridge Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast

26:50

In manufacturing, many leaders try to use the same tools to address different problems. But just like a hammer won’t work for all projects around your house, your routine leadership approach might not work for all your team members. This means you need to go “beyond the hammer” and find ways to have deeper interactions with your team. The hammer analogy comes from Beyond the Hammer: A Fresh Approach to Leadership, Culture, and Building High Performance Teams by Brian Gottleib. In this episode, Brian shares more about the lessons and insights in Beyond the Hammer, plus offers actionable insights manufacturing leaders can use to grow their relationships, create deeper connections, and improve culture in their organizations, from the top to the shop floor. 1:18 – Beyond the Hammer is an approachable, actionable book which uses a parable format to make a positive impact on leaders 2:38 – A leader’s mood and presence directly shapes their team’s culture and performance 3:34 – As a leader, be aware of the tone you’re getting for the rest of your team 6:24 – The ceiling of a business is limited by the ceiling of the people 8:56 – For true growth to occur, you need to focus on relationships and understanding how each team member’s work connects to a larger goal 12:10 – Be honest about your priorities and save time for self-growth and reflection 17:13 – To form relationships, your one-on-one conversations need to be deep and intentional 18:33 – Make your employees feel valued and they’ll be less likely to leave your organization 22:14 – While performance can be copied, culture cannot 24:05 – When teams believe in themselves and each other, it creates a stronger and more positive culture Connect with Brian Gottleib Visit his website Connect on LinkedIn Buy Beyond the Hammer – Brian recommends checking out the audiobook for a more personal connection Read my book report on Beyond the Hammer…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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142 HR Partnerships in Executive Coaching with Kristin Rivait and Joe Carrothers 31:02

16 days ago31:02

31:02

When there’s a leadership shift in a manufacturing organization it leads to major change—and brings its own unique challenges like new team dynamics, cultural shifts, and general growing pains. With the right approach, a change in leadership can also lead to valuable opportunities for growth. Just ask Joe Carrothers and Kristin Rivait from SWT Group. Joe is the president of SWT Group who moved from being the CFO to being the president of the organization, and Kristin is SWT Group’s HR director who worked closely with Joe during this unique leadership transition. In this story-filled episode, Joe and Kristin give a peek behind the scenes of SWT Group’s leadership transition. They give a honest look at both their success and struggles, offer insights on building trust and advocating for a stronger culture, and share why curiosity and patience are the keys to turning a leadership transition into an opportunity for transformative change. 1:07 – Some leaders struggle with being results-focused and being seen as unapproachable by teams 2:02 – During a time of transition, executive coaching can be a valuable tool 2:54 – How do you quantify the ROI of people-focused initiatives? 6:15 – If you want to grow and learn, you need to be willing to have tough respectful conversations 8:26 – Shift away from pre-formulated answers to truly listening and responding 11:17 – Patience and curiosity are key ingredients to a strong partnership 16:29 – When there is transparence and humility at the top of an organization, it contributes to a more accountable and open culture 18:00 – By being present on the floor as a leader you create a stronger sense of unity and collaboration 21:51 – It is important to be your authentic self and build true relationships with your team 28:13 – In times of leadership transition, practice patience and perseverance Connect with Joe Carrothers and Kristin Rivait Learn More about SWT Group…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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141 Negotiation Strategies for the Manufacturing Floor with Fotini Iconomopoulos 26:17

30 days ago26:17

26:17

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 art of negotiation—and in this episode, guest Fotini Iconomopoulos is here to share the tools you need to know. Fotini Iconomopoulos is a master communicator and negotiator based in Toronto. She’s also the author of Say Less Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want. In this episode, she shares more about the power of negotiation and share actionable insights for unlocking your negotiating greatness. 1:00 – Learning how to negotiate and communicate is an important skill for manufacturing leaders 3:20 – Negotiation plays a key role in many manufacturing scenarios, like working with suppliers and retailers 4:25 – Be mindful of negotiation opportunities in your everyday interactions 6:44 – Negotiation isn’t just about getting your own way, but about changing the thinking of another person 7:00 – To improve your negotiation skills, stay curious and ask questions 7:34 – When negotiation, think about your own emotions and the emotions of the other person 9:19 – Practice striking the balance between logic and emotions in your negotiations 15:12 – Use language that aids cooperation and mutual benefit 18:54 – Opening with an extreme can set you up for a success negotiation, but be sure to consider the ethics involved 21:37 – People are often motivated more by what they might lose, rather than what they stand to gain 22:22 – Silence can also be a powerful tool in negotiations Connect with Fotini Iconomopoulos Vist her website Learn more about Say Less, Get More Read my book report…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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140 De-Escalation and Conflict Prevention: Keys to Manufacturing Safety with Carol Cambridge 28:13

6 weeks ago28:13

28:13

When your manufacturing organization is experiencing a crisis, the last thing you want to do is add more oil to the fire! But in a technical industry like manufacturing, many people don’t have the skills they need to safely and effectively address a dangerous situation, like how to de-escalate a conflict or communicate a safety issue to their team. Carol Cambridge is here to help bring more safety to your organization! Carol is an authority on workplace violence, active shooter, and workplace conflict. She’s also the founder of the Stay Safe Project, where she teaches others how to navigate fear and use their critical thinking skills to get through an emergency or crisis. In this episode on safety and crisis management in manufacturing, Carol breaks down why critical thinking plus such a big role in creating a safer workplace, and shares some insights manufacturing leaders can use to handle conflict, address threats, and create a safer workplace for all. 2:23 – In manufacturing, there can be a lack of critical thinking skills, and this plays a big role in crisis management 5:43 – When someone feels unsafe at work, they may be reluctant to report threats 8:22 – There is a different between “tattling” and “reporting” 15:41 – When a potential threat occurs, form a team to handle it, rather than simply leaving it to HR alone to address 18:54 – When you have clear communications and focus on making your employees feel safer, it creates a culture where people can report potential threats without fear 21:18 – Learn to recognize the behavioral signs that might indicate a potential for violence or distress 23:16 – When it comes to confliction resolution or handling heated conversations, timing is key Connect with Carol Cambridge Learn More About The Stay Safe Project Connect on LinkedIn…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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139 Embracing Discomfort to Manufacture Resilience with Paul Taylor 28:33

8 weeks ago28:33

28:33

In manufacturing, we’re all familiar with stress. But did you know that a lack of challenges and too much comfort can also have a negative impact on your health, mindset, and productivity? This is the core concept Paul Taylor presents in his great book Death by Comfort: How Modern Life is Killing Us and What We Can Do About It. As a former British Royal Navy crew member and a current Ph.D. candidate in applied psychology, Paul has in-depth knowledge about stress, resilience, and performance. In this episode on stress, comfort, and psychological safety, Paul draws from his own experiences and research to delve deeper into why discomfort and challenging situations build confidence and resilience, plus shares some of his favorite methods for rethinking how you perceive stress and engage with your team. 2:20 – In manufacturing, stress can be inevitable, so you need to find the right level of stress in your environment 3:36 - You can use principles from physical fitness and apply them to stress management 7:11 – To stay healthy and keep a productive mindset, you need to balance stress and recovery 11:54 – When you practice self-efficacy and do hard tasks, it builds your confidence 16:21 – Uncomfortable yet necessary conversations play a key role in workplace environments 17:38 – To change and improve how you give feedback and have challenging conversations, use the SBI (situation-behavior-impact) model 18:36 – Use the OARS model for motivational interviewing to encourage open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing 24:58 – Take time to understand your purpose and the impact of your work 24:58 – Don’t overlook the role of accountability in psychological safety Connect with Paul Taylor Visit his website Listen to The Paul Taylor Podcast Buy Death by Comfort on Amazon or at your favorite bookseller Read my book report on Death by Comfort…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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138 Cost-Savings for Manufacturing: Deliberate Creativity with Dr. Amy Climer 25:08

10 weeks ago25:08

25:08

To find improved cost-savings and better team dynamics, there’s a solution—more creativity! In the technical world of manufacturing, creativity isn’t always a priority, but in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing, guest Dr. Amy Climer is here to show why deliberate creativity is the key to driving improvement and cost savings. With a Ph.D in Leadership and Change, Dr. Climer is a speaker, trainer, and coach who teaches teams how to innovate on demand. She is the author of Deliberate Creative Teams: How to Lead for Innovative Results written to help leaders understand how to increase creativity in their teams. She also hosts The Deliberate Creative™ podcast and she is the designer of Climer Cards , a creativity and teambuilding tool. 1:00 – In manufacturing, finding cost savings is often a challenge 5:33 – Through creative problem solving, plants can find improved cost savings 10:50 – To introduce more creativity in your organization, focus on team purpose, team dynamics, and creative process 17:14 – Creative abrasion occurs when a team can disagree on ideas, not personalities 21:54 – Switching up your language as a leader can play a role in encouraging creativity 24:00 – To find solutions through creativity, be deliberate Connect with Dr. Amy Climer Visit the website for Climer Consulting Connect on LinkedIn Read my book report of Deliberate Creative Teams…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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137 Good People, Bad Decisions: A Fresh Look at Root Cause Analysis in Manufacturing with Bob Latino 25:00

12 weeks ago25:00

25:00

Are you really doing root cause analysis (RCA) or only scratching at the surface of your organization’s problems? When a problem occurs in a fast-paced industry like manufacturing, you want to find the root problem—and you want to find it as quickly as possible! But if you’re not taking some mindful time to ask the right questions and understand the human element beyond your issues, you might be missing deeper, more sustainable solutions. Learn more about the world of RCA in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with seasoned RCA expert Bob Latino! Influenced by his father, who pioneered research on equipment, process, and human reliability while working for Allied Chemical (now known as Honeywell), Bob profound understanding of both the technical and human aspects of failure. He is passionate about championing progressive leadership mindsets and helping leaders understand and improve systems, rather than simply assigning blame. In this episode, Bob shares his insights on common challenges with RCA and shares tips leaders can use to move beyond simply fixing broken equipment to creating sustainable reliability through better understanding of human performance. 1:48 – RCA has a PR problem, and is typically only associated with technical failure rather than human factors 6:00 – To improve sustainability and reliability, consider how you approach accountability and blame 7:19 – When an organization is stuck in crisis mode, it looks very different from an organization with experienced reliability 11:32 – “What does right look like to you?” is a great question to ask when a problem occurs 15:41 – Understanding the difference between proactive and reactive approaches can help you shift your mindset when it comes to finding solutions 18:05 – Reliability and maintenance are different departments, as they have different focuses 22:04 – With improved reliability, you can address issues like high turnover and poor leadership retention Connect with Bob Latino Find him on LinkedIn , where he shares extensive content Visit the Prelical Solutions website…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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136 The Hidden Productivity Cost: Mental Health with Adam Nemer 30:56

14 weeks ago30:56

30:56

In manufacturing, mental health is not always at the forefront. But when you don’t pay attention to your team’s mental wellbeing, it can negatively affect your entire organization, leading to big issues from disconnected teams to high employee turnover. In this episode, find the insights you need to transform your organization’s approach to mental health with guest Adam Nemer. Adam is a former CFO and senior operations leader, whose own mental health struggles inspired him to start Simple Mental Health, an organization that partners with leaders to bring stigma-free mental health culture to their organizations. In this episode, Adam shares impactful stories from his own mental health journey and offers great insights for how leaders can support their teams, implement stronger mental health practices, and play a transformative role in breaking down mental health stigmas in the world of manufacturing. 1:00 – In manufacturing, one out of every five employees struggles with a diagnosable mental illness 7:58 – To promote better mental health in your manufacturing organization, learn to recognize the signs of mental health struggles, like changes in appearance, behavior, or performance 8:35 – Be aware of team members who might be showing up for work, but aren’t mentally engaged 12:25 – To improve mental health at work, you need to have deep conversations that go beyond just talking about work 16:20 – When your employees are unhappy or struggling with mental health issues, it can lead to a massive drop in productivity, as well as high turnover 21:46 – As a leader, there is power in sharing your own mental health experiences 27:45 – When leaders normalize discussions about mental health, it improves performance and transforms lives Connect with Adam Nemer Visit his website Connect on Facebook and LinkedIn Learn more on YouTube…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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135 Shifting from Blame to Solution in Manufacturing Teams with Darcy Luoma 29:15

16 weeks ago29:15

29:15

In manufacturing, it seems like it’s always go, go go! But what if we could take a moment to pause, think, and act a little more thoughtfully and intentionally? Learn what can happen in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with guest Darcy Luoma! Darcy is an author, consultant, and the creator of the Thoughtfully Fit approach, a dynamic and practical model for enhancing leadership capabilities, improving team dynamics, and navigating the complexities of leadership and teamwork. In this episode, she shares a deep dive into her Thoughtfully Fit method, plus shares other tips and lessons leaders can use to strengthen their culture, connect with their team, and bring more accountability, intentionality, and thoughtfulness to their organization. 1:30 – Intentionally or unintentionally, culture is set from the top 2:39 – Using curiosity helps separate accountability from blame 4:21 – As a leader, you can help your team stay accountable by setting clear expectations and benchmarks 6:40 – Change your mindset to shift away from blame and toward solutions 8:26 – Don’t ignore your team’s dynamic, or else it can lead to issues like decreased morale and effectiveness 11:04 – By creating intentional space to address team dynamics and communicate styles, you’ll find better results 17:10 – Through a Thoughtfully Fit model, focus on pausing, thinking, and acting intentionally 21:31 – Practicing self-awareness as a leader can improve your team’s dynamics 23:20 – When applying Thoughtfully Fit principals, be consistent and practice even in small situations Connect with Darcy Luoma Visit her website Take the Thoughtfully Fit quiz…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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134 Rethinking Shop Floor Time - Technical People are People Too with Emily Nichols 27:09

18 weeks ago27:09

27:09

In manufacturing, we often emphasize complex processes and new technologies, like artificial intelligence. But to bring true change and productivity to your organization, don’t forget about your people! In this episode, learn all about the balance of technical skills and human connection with guest Emily Nichols! As a professional engineer with decades of experiences in manufacturing and innovation, Emily has worked with organizations like PepsiCo, Janssen, and Henkel. She now works with organizations who want to strengthen the human skills they need to thrive in an increasingly technical world. In this episode, she shares more about the important role of human skills, and offers lessons and insights for forming stronger connections, breaking down systemic barriers, and how to improve your “people score.” 2:01 – Even in fields like manufacturing, human skills play a very important role 5:43 – Current and emerging trends, like AI, make human connection even more important in retention and recruitment 8:29 – To form connections, increase your presence on the shop floor 12:36 – Visual uniformity can foster better connections and help you break down perceived barriers 19:39 – If you want more connections, you need to listen to and respect the expertise of everyone on your team 20:37 – To support women in your organization, you need to address systemic issues 23:39 – Even small changes, like using more inclusive language, can have a big impact on your culture 25:06 – We are people first, not machines Connect with Emily Nichols Visit her website Connect on social media: @connectbettertoday…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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133 Using Your Big Sexy Idea to Differentiate Yourself with Mark Levy 29:18

20 weeks ago29:18

29:18

In the busy field of manufacturing, how do you make yourself stand out? Find out in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with Mark Levy. Mark is a “differentiation expert,” who helps his clients find bold, innovative ways to showcase their big ideas and differentiate themselves from the competition. Mark has worked with dozens of corporations, brands, and thought leaders, including Simon Sinek, Amazon, Harvard Business School, and Major League Baseball, as well as leaders from government bodies like the United Nations. He was also a recent speaker for Tedx Talk, where he spoke about using the obvious to stand out in business and in life. In this episode, Mark talks more about the importance of finding your “big sexy idea” and shares compelling stories from his own consulting experience to show how leaders can differentiate themselves and communicate their organization’s values, mission, and other unique aspects in an engaging and memorable way. 2:18 – To inspire your organization, articulate your values and missions in clear, engaging, and memorable ways 3:44 – When making a claim or sharing information, back it up with stories and facts to make it memorable and relatable 10:22 – To help your team learn your organization’s key values, keep a sheet with facts and stories that highlight your organization’s strengths, mission, values, and other key facts 12:17 – In manufacturing, we often overlook successes in favor of focusing on problem-solving 26:11 – As a leader, communicate in a way that ensures your team members feel valued and integral to your organization’s success 27:00 – Consider staring your meetings by sharing proud moments and highlighting recent successes Connect with Mark Levy Watch Mark’s Tedx Talk Visit his website…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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132 The Power of Leadership in Addressing Bullying and Cultivating Civility with Dr. Renee Thompson 29:36

22 weeks ago29:36

29:36

In manufacturing, it’s easy to get stuck in the four walls of our organization. But when you look beyond your organization—and even beyond your industry—you can find the insights and lessons you need to transform your leadership, improve your culture, and show up for your team! In this episode, hear from outside the manufacturing industry with Dr. Renee Thompson! Renee is the CEO & Founder of the Healthy Workforce Institute and works with healthcare organizations to cultivate a professional workforce by addressing bullying and incivility. Renee has authored several books and is one of only 30 nurses worldwide who have achieved the prestigious certified speaking professional designation. Through her work, Renee is on a mission to create a world where bullying and incivility are immediately rejected, and kindness, respect, and professionalism become the new norm. In this episode, she shares her strategic insights for cultivating a more inclusive and positive workplace. 4:14 – In the workplace, bullying and negative relationships can occur between coworkers, as well as between bosses and employees 5:34 – As a leader, it’s important to equip yourself with the skills needed to address bullying and incivility 7:57 – There are many psychological barriers that can lead to challenges or inaction when faced with problematic workplace behavior 9:30 – Scripting is a way to effectively handle difficult conversations 12:27 – Learn the difference between overt bullying and subtle, more convert bullying, and find the strategies for dealing with both types of behavior 16:40 – Even though all industries are different, strategies for addressing bullying and incivility can still be applied across different industries Connect with Dr. Renee Thompson Learn more about Healthy Workforce Institute Find her on LinkedIn Connect on Facebook and Instagram…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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131 How to Take Your Team From Disconnected to Alignment with Mark Kenny 26:42

24 weeks ago26:42

26:42

When your team is aligned, it leads to more productivity, higher morale, and a healthier workplace . . . and on the flip side, a misaligned team can contribute to issues like high turnover or an inability to attract or keep great new team members. What can leaders do to enhance teamwork and bring more functionality to their organization? In this episode, Mark Kenny gives the solutions! Mark is a speaker, consultant, and expert in team building and leadership. He’s also the author of The Hippo Solution: Eliminate the Territorial Thinking and Unleash the Power of Teams, which focuses on how leaders can transform their teams and create healthier, more productive cultures. In this episode, he uses stories from his own life to show the importance of team connection, plus offers insights manufacturing leaders can use to strengthen their team, transform their culture, and find the best solutions. 3:04 – There are some key differences between functional and misaligned teams 5:11 – When your team is disconnected, it can lead to issues like high turnover or struggles to recruit new talent 6:16 – As a leader, you play a critical role in setting the tone for your entire organization 8:07 – To strengthen your team, learn to look for dysfunctional team dynamics 10:17 – Connection, cohesion, and clarity are the pillars of a well-functioning team 14:47 – With more clarity and structure, you can improve your team’s functionality 18:39 – Improving your culture can be transformational for your team 24:31 – To find the best solutions, stay curious and build deeper connections within your team Connect with Mark Kenny Visit his website Connect on LinkedIn More on The Six Types of Working Genius More on American Icon: Alan Mullaly and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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130 Empowering Frontlines Leaders with Lessons from the Drive-Thru with Monica Rothgery 33:06

26 weeks ago33:06

33:06

What does a Taco Bell drive-thru have to do with manufacturing? Fast-food and manufacturing have more in common than you might think—and in her newest book Lessons from the Drive-Thru: Real Life Wisdom for Frontline Leaders , former Taco Bell general manager Monica Rothergy shares real-life stories to help leaders lead with ease, authenticity, and vulnerability, whether they’re working in a drive-thru or a manufacturing plant. Monica recently came by the Mindfulness Manufacturing to talk more about her book and the career path that took her from a Taco Bell general manager to the first female chief operating officer and first LGBT executive for KFC US. In this episode, Monica also shares valuable insights for other frontlines leaders, including strategies for bringing more curiosity and vulnerability to leadership roles. 2:00 – Frontlines leaders often feel the need to jump in and fix problems themselves, rather than letting their team figure it out 4:00 – Shift your mindset to emphasize coaching and supporting, not micromanaging 7:00 – Practice servant leadership through supporting and recognizing your team 13:00 – Instead of just providing instructions, look for ways to observe and provide feedback 15:00 – When problems occur, have deep and curious conversations to find the root of the issue 19:00 – Training is often seen as the problem, but a lack of support can also lead to performance issues 22:00 – All employees are unique and have different standards, so be curious to find out the kind of support and recognition they need Connect with Monica Rothgery Buy her book Visit her website…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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129 Harnessing Productivity with More Mindfulness with Sarah Ohanesian 23:02

28 weeks ago23:02

23:02

In manufacturing, there’s a big link between productivity and mindfulness—and shifting to a more mindful approach just might be the key you need to unlock your team’s productivity, decreasing burnout, and creating a happier workplace for all. Find out more in this episode with guest Sarah Ohanesian! Sarah is a professional keynote speaker and productivity consultant on a mission to fight burnout and increase happiness at work. She works with busy professionals who are career-driven but face work-life imbalance, stress, and overwhelm. In this episode, Sarah draws on her own experiences and background to discuss the link between productivity and mindfulness in manufacturing, plus offers actionable tips for intentional time management, combating burnout, and more! 2:36 – There is a difference between busyness and productivity 4:20 – You can improve your productivity with practices like setting daily intentions or saving time for end-of-day reflection and planning 12:10 – Follow Sarah’s COAT framework to clarify, organize, act, and take time 17:10 – To save time and be more productive, figure out which tasks are the most important and set clear priorities 18:32 – If you have a to-do list, keep it in a single, trusted location 18:40 – Be intentional with your schedule and time and don’t be afraid to say no to requests 21:14 – Allowing time to rest plays a key role in creating sustainable, long-term productivity Connect with Sarah Ohanesian Visit her website Connect on LinkedIn and Instagram…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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128 Using People Power to Transform Organizations with Hugh Hornsby 30:01

30 weeks ago30:01

30:01

There’s power in your people—and if you learn to harness it, it can transform your organization! Learn more in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with guest Hugh Hornsby, the vice president of Everflow Supplies. With a long career and a remarkable track record of turning around struggling businesses—and his own unique journey of surviving a life-changing head injury—Hugh has great stories and insights. In his episode, he shares more about the success of Everflow and his personal journey, and gives insights leaders can use to transform their hiring process, practice everyday gratitude, and find their team’s hidden gifts. 2:27 – Everyone has a unique gift, which you can find by overcoming labels and looking for their personal potential 5:52 – Reframe the way you see others and yourself 6:25 – With a more progressive mindset, you can find more potential in both others and yourself 11:21 – If you invest in your team, they’ll invest in your organization 14:13 – Hire for personality and to find the right cultural fit, not just because someone has a strong resume 15:35 – The hiring process should be curious, not transactional and restrictive 19:30 – Overcome your terror barrier 24:47 – Every day, find time for a gratitude check 27:00 – To transform your team, start by looking at the story you tell yourself Connect with Hugh Hornsby Learn more about Everflow Supplies Connect on LinkedIn Read my book review of Think and Grow Rich…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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127 Stories for Leading with Curiosity and Empathy with Shane Zutz 32:55

32 weeks ago32:55

32:55

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, DigiKey’s vice president of human resources, is here to share the stories and insights behind DigiKey’s success! In this episode, Shane shares stories highlighting the importance of curiosity, empathy, and leadership presence, and offers simple-yet-powerful strategies manufacturing leaders can put into action to build trust, accountability, and stronger connections at their own plant. 5:12 – Building a better organization starts with being present and making personal connections 8:13 – If your organization is in a small community, making personal connections is extremely important 9:00 – To find curious ways to engage your team, one strategy is to create a list of questions to ask 13:30 - With a strong foundation, you’ll be better equipped to tackle challenges or crises 15:11 - There is a lot of value in simple gestures, like greeting your team in the morning 18:12 - Personalization goes a long way 22:41 Show care and concern for your team members Connect with Shane Zutz Learn more about Digikey Connect with Shane on LinkedIn and reach out to get added to his newsletter Thanks for Listening! Thanks for tuning it to another episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing! To learn more about Trevor Blondeel and Manufacturing Greatness, please visit our website or contact Trevor here .…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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126 Transforming Your Approach to Retention with Cara Silletto 27:20

34 weeks ago27:20

27:20

Are your team members “houseplants” or “trees?” It might sound like a strange question, but knowing the answer is the key to retaining your best employees, strengthening your team, and transforming your organization. In this episode, learn about identifying—and nurturing—your houseplant and tree team members, plus hear other great insights on improving retention, communicating with your team, and showing up as a more emotionally intelligent leader with guest Cara Silletto. Cara is the founder, president, and chief retention office of Magnet Culture, a partner in helping organizations reduce turnover and create cultures where teams succeed and thrive. 2:49 – Some team members are trees, who stay with your company for a long time, while others are houseplants who needs more attention and support 3:23 – To retain your team members, understand the differences between your tree and houseplant employees 5:46 – With a diverse team, you need to approach different team members based on their different needs 8:10 – When you treat employees well, they are more likely to stay with your company 10:14 – Retaining your team members and providing support means adapting as a leader 12:47 – To retain employees, put a stronger emphasis on training, mentoring, and supporting your new hires from their first day 16:39 – Younger team members are more likely to bring their whole selves to work 24:02 – Leaders and managers should use continuous learning to improve their skills and gain a stronger understanding of their roles 25:47 – With a diverse team, you can’t use the same rewards and recognitions for all employees 26:53 – To understand your team better, practice curiosity and active listening Connect with Cara Silletto Connect on LinkedIn Learn more about Magnet Culture Find special resources from Magnet Vault Thanks for Listening! Thanks for tuning it to another episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing! To learn more about Trevor Blondeel and Manufacturing Greatness, please visit our website or contact Trevor here .…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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125 Lessons for Saying Less and Learning More with Michael Bungay Stanier 26:38

36 weeks ago26:38

26:38

We all love giving advice! But when advice is your default as a leader, you can fall into an “advice trap” that actually crushes curiosity, creates disconnect, and prevents your team from finding productive outcomes. Bestselling author Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS) tackles this subject in his newest book The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever. In this episode, MBS shares some of the key lessons from the advice trap and his other books, including lessons and insights leaders can use to change their mindset, grow their curiosity, and create great new habits for building curiosity. 2:17 – With more curiosity, you can engage your people, boost morale and retention, and create a thriving organization 3:31 – Slow down in your rush to provide immediate advice 4:16 – As a leader, shift away from making advice your default response 5:13 – With curiosity, you can become a more strategic leader 6:11 – Defaulting to giving advice is often an ingrained habit 6:48 – When you start being more curious, you let others shine 7:17 – Curiosity can also strengthen your relationship with your family and others outside of work 8:40 – Forming new curiosity habits can take time and practice 9:47 - If you always give answers and advice, your team can become over-dependent, more disconnected, and less productive 10:48 – Through more curiosity, you and your team can find the purpose of your work 12:22 – While practicing curiosity and other new skills, approach it with patience and grace for yourself 13:28 – Be specific and deliberate in building your coaching habit 14:13 – Your team are your allies 15:19 – Instead of answering right away, stay in a place of curiosity a little bit longer 16:53 – Ask curious questions to find the root cause of issues within your team 18:48 – Asking questions can be more effective than giving advice 20: 11 – Your job isn’t to come up with the best answer, but to help your team come up with the right answer 21:42 – To practice curiosity, pay attention to your body language Connect with Michael Bungay Stanier Visit his website and download chapter one of The Coaching Habit Learn more about Box of Crayons Read my book reports of The Coaching Habit…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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124 Bringing Great Leadership to a New Plant: Stories from a Greenfield Site with Daniel Knecht 27:48

38 weeks ago27:48

27:48

What goes into launching a brand-new manufacturing plant? A successful greenfield site is about more than finding the right space or getting the right equipment—you also have to pay attention to the people you’re hiring and the tone you’re setting as a leader. In this episode, take a journey through the steps of a greenfield site with Daniel Knecht! Dan is the solar project director for NSG Group, one of the world’s largest glass manufacturers. In his role, he focuses on strategic projects to support the renewal energy market. In this story-filled episode, Dan talks about his unique experiences of launching a new plant for NSG, and shares insight other manufacturing leaders can use to build and support their teams, improve their behavior, and bring transformative change to their organization. 4:04 – While manufacturing requires many technical skills, it’s still all about people and connection 4:55 – If you’re a technically minded person, you might need to shift your behavior to form stronger connections and learn to lead through others 5:22 – At a new plant, choosing and building a new team is an important part of the process 6:13 – As a leader, you want to hire a team who can respectfully challenge you, not just people who think exactly like you 7:27 – Changing how you show up for your team starts with authenticity and vulnerability 9:45 – Show up for your team with action, not just words 10:23 – Even with a large team, you can form great connections through intention and curiosity 12:54 – At a new plant, it’s imperative to set the right tone 14:38 – Manage your emotions and use patience to navigate challenges and connect with your team 19:09 – How you show up in a moment of adversity says a lot about you as a leader 20:05 – You lead how you’re led, so be aware of behaviors you might have picked up from others 20:40 – Take responsibility for your role as a leader in your organization 21:53 – Hire the right people and invest in them 23:20 – You can’t successfully address every issue your team brings to you, but you can approach the issue with an open mind 24:14 – To get a better understanding of the pulse of your floor, create a safe space for your team Connect with Daniel Knecht Find him on LinkedIn Learn more about NSG…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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123 The Tools You Need for Bridging the Uncertainty Gap with Jay Baer 27:22

40 weeks ago27:22

27:22

In manufacturing, retention and recruitment are two of the biggest challenges. To attract great talent and keep your best team members, you need to set yourself apart from the competition—and you can start by improving your response times! In this episode, join guest Jay Baer for a deep-dive into the tools and procedures you need to improve efficiency, strengthen your communications, and bridge the “uncertainty gap” in your organization. Jay Baer is a researcher and advisor specializing in business growth and customer experience. He’s also a seventh-generation entrepreneur, the author of seven bestselling books, the creator of six multi-million dollar companies, and a popular tequila influencer and educator. 3:50 – There is a correlation between responsiveness and revenue 5:34 – People care about their time more than ever, which is why it’s important to respect the time of others 6:11 – Creating an efficient recruitment process is one way to be respectful of other’s time 7:43 – With a faster recruitment process, you won’t miss out on great talent 10:32 – Having an efficient system for replying and following-up cuts down on team anxiety and improves your culture 11:52 – You don’t always have to have the answer right away, but you can improve your relationships by giving a response 14:31 – As a leader, being responsive builds trust and helps you form better relationships within your organization 15:08 – Through responsiveness and strong communications, you can bridge the Uncertainty Gap 17:27 – People are trained to want more details and information 20:07 – Responsiveness should be a company policy, not an individual choice 21:40 – Find ways to continuously improve 23:57 – Customers will often go with the person who responds first, regardless of price Connect with Jay Baer Visit his website Learn more about The Time to Win Subscribe to his newsletter Thanks for Listening! Thanks for tuning it to another episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing! To learn more about Trevor Blondeel and Manufacturing Greatness, please visit our website or contact Trevor here .…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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122 Good People, Bad Process: How to Measure and Improve Your Team with Martin Low 26:10

42 weeks ago26:10

26:10

Results matters! Whether you’re looking at safety, quality, or productivity, you and your team want to know how you’re performing. But when it comes to people, it can be difficult to measure your return on investment. In this episode, guest Martin Low walks us through the best strategies for measuring your team, plus shares great insights on why people matter most in your organization. Martin is the founder and CEO of On Plane Consulting, where he helps organizations transform and improve by building and leveraging their people capabilities. He also has over 20 years of human resources experiences at companies like Amazon and Blue Apron, and brings great insights on how to measure your team, clarify your processes, and create a culture where everyone shows up at their best. 3:23 – You can’t measure people in the same way you measure inventory, cash flow or other main areas of your organization 6:31 – If you don’t invest in your people, it leads to issues like high turnover and halted productivity 7:36 – If you don’t have a baseline, you can’t measure 8:45 – If someone on your team is underperforming, use curiosity to find the cause 8:52 – Establish a baseline for what good looks like within your team or organization 9:45 – If someone on your team has higher rates than others, study their process and see how you can implement their methods for your whole team 11:50 – When results don’t meet expectations, approach the issue with curiosity instead of judgement 14:08 – With clearer processes, your team can improve and your organization can reduce turnover 14:24 – As a leader, you should make your expectations clear and hold others accountable 15:33 – With clarity, your team members find more agency and can improve the way they show up 17:31 – Create a process where you and your team can use your energy in a productive way, instead of just trying to survive the day 19:37 – Surveying your team is a strategy for assuring everyone is aligned and understands your processes, values, mission, and goals 22:52 – With a survey, leadership can find solutions directly from their team on the floor 24:18 – Most people show up wanting to do a good job, and clear processes can help them improve how they show up Connect with Martin Low Learn more about On Plane Consulting Contact On Plane Consulting at hello@onplane.com Contact Martin at martin@onplay.com…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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121 Why We Need Storytelling on the Manufacturing Floor 26:05

44 weeks ago26:05

26:05

Stories resonate with people, which makes them a valuable tool for sharing information, seeking new outcomes and connecting with your team. So let’s bring more storytelling to the manufacturing floor! In this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing, meet guest Trevor Perry. Trevor is an award-winning speaker, author, and perspective-changer, who uses his unique perspectives and love of storytelling to help others find their own light and improve their influence in the world. In this episode, Trevor shares his journey of finding his storytelling passion, and discusses why leaders should learn and practice storytelling skills. 4:04 – When someone owns, lives, and feels a story, that makes for powerful storytelling 5:31 – Some people might be bad storytellers with great stories to tell, or great storytellers with bad stories 6:24 – Storytelling is a way to connect and help others relate to what you’re trying to share 7:12 – Good storytelling is transparent and draws on your own experiences 8:42 – If you’re telling someone else’s story, you still need to find a way to personally connect and own the story you’re telling 11:18 – Storytelling is an inherent part of human nature, which is why stories resonate so well 12:47 – Every story needs a purpose, especially if you’re in a leader or mentor role 15:15 – If you’re trying to adopt someone else’s story as your own, it won’t feel authentic 16:19 – A culture of storytelling can bring more connection to your organization 17:44 – How you tell a story is always going to be different depending on your audience or situation 20:28 – Practicing improv is a unique way to hone your storytelling skills 20:30 - Learn more about improv and storytelling in Episode 97 22:55 – You can also learn about storytelling about listening to others 23:57 – As a human, you are a storyteller Connect with Trevor Perry Visit his website Thanks for Listening! Thanks for tuning it to another episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing! To learn more about Trevor Blondeel and Manufacturing Greatness, please visit our website or contact Trevor here .…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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120 How to Unlock Your High-Performance Potential with Mike Mooney 29:48

46 weeks ago29:48

29:48

How can we bring more mindfulness to the manufacturing floor without comprising speed or efficiency? With a background as an award-winning senior executive for agencies, brands, and team properties in NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula One racing, Mike Mooney knows all about speed! He now uses his unique background to help leaders accelerate culture, unlock potential, drive opportunity, and create traction. In this episode, Mike shares why humans are high-performance vehicles, and how leaders can use presence, intentionality, and curiosity to improve communicates, reach creative outcomes, and improve their organization’s culture. 3:46 – Like racecars, humans are high-performance vehicles that needs building, fixing, innovation, and restoration 5:04 – Being high-performance involves being present, intentional, and curious 8:13 – You can still get work done well and efficiently without sacrificing your relationships or workplace presence 9:22 – To improve your presence and how you show up, commit to shifting your micro-behaviors 12:00 – Sometimes, you need to slow down to go fast 13:33 – In the space between stimulus and response, you have a choice to jump to conclusions or react with curiosity 16:22 – Curiosity opens up conversations and leads to more productive outcomes 19:10 – Great ideas can come from anywhere, not just the executive team 23:20 – With curiosity, any idea can be interesting 25:05 – We were all designed to be high-performance vehicles and with time and authenticity, you can become the leader your organization needs Connect with Mike Mooney Visit his website Find him on LinkedIn Connect on X and Instagram @mike_mooney Connect on Facebook @mikemooney_speaks Thanks for Listening! Thanks for tuning it to another episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing! To learn more about Trevor Blondeel and Manufacturing Greatness, please visit our website or contact Trevor here .…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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119 Your Blueprint for Building Trust with Justin Patton 28:25

48 weeks ago28:25

28:25

Trust is the antidote to so many common issues that can occur on the manufacturing floor. But how can you build trust—both in yourself and with your team? Find out in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing with guest Justin Patton! Justin is a certified speaker professional and leadership presence expert, who challenges leaders to reimagine how they lead, love, and communicate. He’s also the author of Your Road to Yes: How to Build Trust in Yourself and With Others and the recently-released The High-Impact Manager: Your Blueprint for Bringing Out the Best in Your Team. In this episode, Justin talks about the vital role trust plays in improving your leadership, empowering your team, and showing up as your best self, and shares why transparency, tact, and togetherness are the three key foundations you need to improve how you show up and built trust in your relationships. 3:10 – Trust requires transparency, tact, and togetherness 4:03 – Trust is your biggest competitive advantage 4:41 – When people don’t have all the information, they fill it in with fear or make up stories 5:59 – As a leader, you can create a culture of trust by having the courage to be transparent and vulnerable 8:39 – You have to speak your truth, but also take accountability for how you deliver it 10:41 – When an organization values results over everything else, it leads to issues like a lack of trust, increased disconnect, and poor leadership 12:22 – Think about who you are at your best, then work to show up for others as that best version of yourself 14:37 – To grow as a leader, you don’t have to fundamentally change who you are, but can learn how to lean into your best qualities and align your actions and behavior with who you are at your best 16:21 – Trust is built in small moments 17:46 – Find the balance between oversharing and transparency 20:51 – Trust does not leave people second guessing 21:20 – Choose discomfort over resentment 22:53 – There are also situations where building trust can require staying silent 25:43 – Every choice you make either gets you closer to trust or drives you away from it Connect with Justin Patton Visit his website Learn more about his books Check out my book reports of Your Road to Yes and The High-Impact Manager Thanks for Listening! Thanks for tuning it to another episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing! To learn more about Trevor Blondeel and Manufacturing Greatness, please visit our website or contact Trevor here .…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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118 Why Compassion and Connection are the Keys to Transforming Manufacturing with Karin J. Lund 28:13

50 weeks ago28:13

28:13

The manufacturing industry just keeps getting greater—and it’s all thanks to passionate, mindful leaders who show up every day ready to engage their teams, improve their mindset, and create an environment where people love to work. One of these leaders is Karen J. Lund, a bestselling author and keynote speaker with a long career in the steel industry. Drawing on her experience in the steel industry, Karin now leads the team at G-Power Global, an organization she founded to inspires corporate and organizational entities to lead with compassion while continuing to focus on productivity, service, and profits. In this episode, Karin talks more about transformations facing the steel industry and manufacturing as a whole, and shares why compassion, connection, and conversations are the key to unlocking creative solutions, overcoming challenges, and bringing new energy to the manufacturing floor. 3:03 – In manufacturing, you can’t do everything by yourself, which makes it very important to seek out and build strong connections 5:33 – It can be a challenge to form relationship on the floor, especially for younger professionals 6:48 – When people have connections on the floor, it makes it easier to voice feedback and navigate challenges 9:01 – By creating a culture that fosters connections and conversation, you’ll find more productivity and more creative solutions 11:37 – Compassion is the competitive edge 15:55 – There is a difference between training and learning 16:39 – Employee resource groups are a strong tool for building connections and community in the workplace 19:20 – If you want to redefine your industry and image, start by having conversations about your values and how you present to the media and others 22:25 – In manufacturing, it’s important to have conversations about how your role impacts the work of others, and vice versa 23:29 – Everyone learns in different ways and some people may need different accommodations 25:02 – When someone makes a commitment to their industry, it can have a positive impact for entire teams and organizations Connect with Karin J. Lund Visit her website Thanks for Listening! Thanks for tuning it to another episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing! To learn more about Trevor Blondeel and Manufacturing Greatness, please visit our website or contact Trevor here .…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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117 You Can’t Proceduralize Everything! With Jake Mazulewicz 30:19

1 year ago30:19

30:19

When a mistake occurs on the plant floor, your mind might jump to one question: who caused this issue, and should I write them up for their mistake? But there’s a more productive approach you could be taking—and in this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing, guest Dr. Jake Mazulewicz breaks it all down! With a background as a firefighter, EMT, and military paratrooper, Jake knows the challenges of high-hazard industries, and works with organizations to reduce errors and create safer, more reliable workplace environments. In this episode, Jake shares why you can’t procedularize everything, including the way you handle errors and accidents, and offers great insights and stories about how to use connection and curiosity to improve safety, address errors, and strengthen your organization. 3:35 – Procedures and policies are the work that is imagined, and on the floor is how the work actually gets done 4:19 – The work as-done is almost always radically different than the work as-imagined 5:20 – Even when you have standards and people show up wanting to do a good job, you can still see issues that need to be addressed 6:44 – There will always be areas that absolutely need to have procedures in place 8:02 – There are also adaptive jobs, which leans less into procedures and more intro troubleshooting and tacit human knowledge 10:56 - In an ideal environment, both mechanistic and adaptive models are used and respected and needed 12:11 – There are four levels, ranging from strict procedurals to looser guidelines that show what to do, but not how to do it 15:36 – Tacit knowledge gets shared through conversations 16:22 – A way to share important information is to have frontline experts record videos sharing their insights to problems, especially those that are not covered in procedures 19:44 – Through conversation and connection, more knowledge is shared 21:58 – Debriefing also plays a central role 23:45 – If you have strong discipline, you’ll find more freedom 25:31 – In most situations, errors are signals, not defects 27:07 – When an error occurs, be curious and find the deeper cause of the problem Connect with Jake Mazulewicz Find him on Linkedin Visit his website…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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116 Lessons for Navigating a Crisis with Confidence with Dave Sanderson 31:49

1 year ago31:49

31:49

In 2009, total engine loss forced US Airways Flight 1549 to make an emergency crash landing in New York City’s Hudson River—and thanks to the quick actions of the pilot, flight crew, and passengers, all 155 people on board made it safely off the plane. Now known as “the miracle on the Hudson,” this harrowing incident offers up important lessons on staying calm under pressure, coping with traumatic challenges, and making every moment count. To learn more, let’s hear from a Flight 1549 survivor! Dave Sanderson is a nationally recognized leadership speaker and bestselling author, who draws from his inspirational story of survival to encourage others to do the right thing and find healthy ways to cope with their own struggles and adversity. In this episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing, Dave shares his own Miracle on the Hudson story, and offers powerful insights he learned from being the last passenger off Flight 1549! 2:18 – Dave shares his Flight 1549 story 8:11 – In times of conflict, whether it’s a plane crash or issue on the manufacturing floor, calmness and confidence play key roles 9:05 – To get through challenging situations, you need to manage your own mindset 10:05 – You don’t need to know everything to handle a crisis, but you have to be able to lead yourself first 11:09 – Every moment in your life happens for a reason 13:38 – How to react to and cope with a challenging situation depends on the meaning you attach to it 14:22 – By reframing the meaning you attach to a situation, you can find healthy and productive ways to react and grow 15:33 – Everyone assigns different meanings to different challenges, so it’s important to approach others with curiosity instead of judgement 17:56 – To truly understand others, you need be curious and have authentic interactions 21:52 – To feel included in an organization’s mission, people need and want certainty, variety, connection, significance, growth, and the ability to contribute 24:48 – As a leader, it’s up to you to find creative solutions and create opportunity from challenges 28:57 – If you get casual, it can lead to safety issues, accidents, and other serious problems for your organization Connect with Dave Sanderson Check out his website and download a free copy of his Moments Matter Magazine Connect on LinkedIn to see new blog content…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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115 Put Your Core Values Into Action with Adam Hill 27:25

1 year ago27:25

27:25

In many manufacturing organizations, company values can be seen in plaques on the walls, but don’t show up in the behavior and language used on the shop floor. How can we get core values off the walls and into action? Find out in this episode with guest Adam Hill! Adam is the nine-figure CEO of a 4th generation family business, as well as a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and host of the top-rated podcast Flow Over Fear. Throughout his work, he helps leaders and other high achievers rise above fear and realize their ultimate potential in leadership and life. In this episode, Adam shares why core values are so important to organizations—and why holding tight to outdated ideals can cause restriction instead of growth, plus offers insights and lessons leaders can use to make sure their core values are showing up in their culture and behavior. 4:13 – Core values should serve as a driving force, but can sometimes become restrictive 6:26 – In some cases, holding onto an old or legacy core value can actually hold back your organization 8:15 – If your organization is struggling or plateaued, look toward your core values and address what ideals need to stay and which ones can be changed or removed 9:24 – Culture and strategy are very similar, but can’t be treated as the same 10:51 – As culture shifts, you might have to shift your behavior while still staying true to your core values 13:06 – If you want change, you need to create a culture where people feel empowered to speak up 14:19 – If people in your organization don’t feel comfortable speaking up, it can lead to unsafe environments 16:29 – Healthy conflict is often necessary when discussing which core values to keep or get rid of, especially in family or legacy companies 21:50 – The strongest core values are the ones that can grow and evolve with your organization 24:00 – Great results can arise from challenging conversations Connect with Adam Hill Visit his website Listen to his Flow Over Fear podcast…

Mindfulness Manufacturing

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114 How to Use Positivity to Improve Connection with Jon Gordon 28:08

1 year ago28:08