Success starts with leadership

Well-led businesses tend to be more productive, competitive and responsive to change. Their employees have a clearer vision of where they are headed and why — and are therefore more engaged and motivated. Managing all the uncertainty in the marketplace and being a top performer starts with leadership.

But what does good leadership mean? Or, better yet, what does good leadership in manufacturing mean?

The role of leadership in manufacturing has evolved. Today, leaders not only need to make sound business decisions, but they must also navigate an increasingly challenging and fast-paced supply chain, understand and manage tariffs and trade agreements, anticipate technological transformation and attract and retain a next-generation workforce.

Maybe now more than ever, leadership is a critical component to a manufacturer’s business success.

What makes a good leader?

Good leaders challenge everything. They are not satisfied with status quo but push to identify and implement improvement across the facility to drive efficiency and flexibility — the holy grail of manufacturing.

But it doesn’t stop there. Manufacturing leaders need to build trust among their workforces. They need to build a culture around teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement. They should be empowered to voice their opinions, make decisions and problem-solve. And this can only be accomplished through continuous and ongoing communication. From town halls to small group meetings to individual discussions, regardless of the size of your organization, communication is paramount. With labor challenges, it’s important to understand how each person is motivated and then feed into that motivation in order to retain them long-term.

Additionally, good leaders are visible. They are on the shop floor seeing first-hand what’s working and what isn’t and planning to fix the inefficiencies or inaccuracies. Leaders are making sure quality and safety are top priorities across the shop floor and with each and every employee.

Good leadership isn’t an easy task. Leaders need to stay motivated and take time to build strategies and implement change that will drive business success. If they don’t stay motivated, how will they motivate their team?

Additionally, they need to ask their team tough questions. Why? Is that the right thing to do? How do we drive waste out of that process? Can we do it better? The answers will deliver the results they expect to achieve and hold the entire team accountable.

What is your why?

Good leadership can also help improve employee retention, and it’s all about starting with your “why.” Why does your organization exist? Is there a common purpose or mission?

At its core, manufacturing has a compelling why: to use raw materials to make something that people can enjoy or use for some other purpose. To see something you had a part in making move down the road, on a store shelf or being used by others can in and of itself be a source of pride. And your organization likely has a cultural or organizational “why” beyond just making something.

Belonging is a human need. People want to feel they belong to something that has a greater purpose. Starting with your “why” when new people walk in the door gives them something they can immediately identify with and decide to be a part of. And remember, those fresh eyes may be able to offer new ways to eliminate waste to make the job, and as a result, your shop, even more productive. 

What to focus on

The near term will continue to be challenging for the manufacturing industry, considering labor availability, the continued threat of supply chain constraints, and inflation impacting some durable good demand. For the next 18 months, leaders need to focus on a few key things:

• Know your market intel: How is the economy impacting the markets you serve and how will that impact your business?
• Understand your customer needs: What solutions will your customer need and are you able to meet their need?
• Develop your team: Talent will continue to be a challenge. Cross-train your team and build your employees’ skill sets.
• Focus on lead time reduction: Take the time now to identify how you can be more efficient.
• Build flexibility and resilience: Better prepare your company for the highs and the lows that frequently impact manufacturing.

How Wipfli can help

Part of being a good leader is knowing who you can trust to help turn your vision into a reality. At Wipfli, we believe in forming strong partnerships with our clients to drive results. You can rely on our team of specialists with unique insight into the manufacturing world to align with your goals, offer insightful thought leadership and help you succeed. Learn more about our strategy and operations offerings, and contact us today to get started with a rewarding partnership.