Engagement for Manufacturing Managers: Using Connection, Collaboration, and Healthy Competition to Drive Team Performance with Thom Singer #63

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!

You probably know the golden rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated. But what does that have to do with manufacturing? A lot.

In this episode, public speaker Thom Singer joins the podcast to talk about manufacturing leadership, empathy, and authentic leadership for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, and Shift Supervisors.

We explore how communication skills, curiosity in leadership, and trust building help leaders strengthen relationships, foster collaboration, and turn employees into true ambassadors for their organization. Thom also shares practical insights on consistency, growth mindset, and why staying curious about what your team is experiencing improves engagement, culture, and long term performance.

7:03 – Your employees are your company’s great ambassadors

7:24 – When people feel connected at work, they are more likely to stay with your company and will be more productive

10:57 – High competition can make you a better leader

11:45 – If your employees are on platforms like LinkedIn, it’s a chance for them to highlight the strengths of your company

12:45 – Oftentimes, employees leave jobs or being job searching on platforms liked LinkedIn because they don’t see opportunities for growth or because they don’t feel fulfilled or challenged

14:00 – Friendships and connections are a key part of making employees feel fulfilled at work

15:33 – Some companies worry that if they offer personal or career development, their employees will gain skills they can use to leave the company, but you can combat this by finding them growth and opportunities within your own company

16:06 – The best leaders want their employees to grow into their best selves

17:43 – Sometimes, it may be best for an employee to seek work elsewhere and it’s important to make sure they still stay good things about your company once they’re gone

18:58 – If you help an employee find a better opportunity, it reflects well on you and your values

25:15 – Don’t be afraid of your employees making connections outside of the company

26:17 – Through sharing and collaborating, you have many chances to learn and grow through the feedback of others

28:01 – You want diversity of thought, not an echo chamber

Connect with Thom Singer:

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