Leadership   

Contact us at 731-425-8826 or workforce@jscc.edu to develop a training plan for your organization.

MFG-LD-101  |  Supervisory Skills for the New Manufacturing Leader

Duration: 16 Hours (2 Days)     Format: In-Person or On-Site     Audience: New and Aspiring Supervisors

The transition from team member to team leader is one of the most challenging steps in a manufacturing career. This two-day course equips new and aspiring supervisors with the foundational skills they need to lead confidently — from giving clear direction and managing time, to handling conflict and understanding basic HR responsibilities. Built specifically for the realities of the West Tennessee plant floor.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the key responsibilities and accountabilities of a manufacturing supervisor
• Give clear, specific work direction and follow up to ensure task completion
• Manage time and shift priorities to meet production goals
• Apply basic HR knowledge including documentation, attendance, and corrective action processes
• Handle common forms of team conflict using structured, professional approaches
• Motivate team members using recognition, feedback, and goal-setting techniques

MFG-LD-102  |  Leadership Styles and Situational Leadership

Duration: 8 Hours     Format: In-Person     Audience: Supervisors and Managers

There is no single right way to lead — effective leaders adapt their approach based on the situation and the individual they are leading. This course introduces participants to major leadership styles and the Situational Leadership model, helping them identify their natural style, recognize when to adjust it, and develop greater flexibility as leaders of diverse manufacturing teams.

Learning Objectives

• Identify their primary leadership style and its impact on team performance
• Describe the four leadership styles in the Situational Leadership model
• Assess employee development levels to determine the appropriate leadership approach
• Apply different leadership styles in practice scenarios and case studies
• Develop a personal plan for expanding leadership flexibility with their current team

MFG-LD-103  |  Coaching and Developing Manufacturing Employees

Duration: 8 Hours     Format: In-Person or On-Site     Audience: Supervisors, Team Leads, Managers

Great supervisors are great coaches. This course builds practical coaching skills for the manufacturing environment — from setting clear performance expectations and delivering effective feedback, to developing employee skills and addressing performance issues constructively. Participants will practice coaching conversations using realistic scenarios from the shop floor.

Learning Objectives

• Set clear, measurable performance expectations and communicate them to employees
• Deliver specific, behavior-based feedback that motivates improvement
• Use a structured coaching conversation model (e.g., GROW or SBI) in practice scenarios
• Develop individual employee skills through on-the-job coaching and mentoring
• Address performance issues early and constructively using a progressive approach
• Create a simple development plan for a team member in their current role

MFG-LD-104  |  Conflict Resolution and Difficult Conversations

Duration: 6 Hours     Format: In-Person     Audience: Supervisors, Managers, HR

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace — but it doesn't have to be destructive. This course gives supervisors and managers the tools to address interpersonal conflict, navigate difficult conversations, and create a workplace culture where issues are resolved respectfully and professionally. Participants will practice using structured conversation frameworks through role-play scenarios.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the sources and stages of workplace conflict in manufacturing settings
• Apply a structured approach to address conflict between employees or with a team member
• Prepare for and conduct difficult workplace conversations with confidence and professionalism
• Use active listening and non-judgmental language to de-escalate tense situations
• Recognize when to involve HR or escalate a conflict beyond supervisory resolution
• Document conflict resolution conversations appropriately for HR records

MFG-LD-105  |  Change Management for Manufacturing Leaders

Duration: 8 Hours     Format: In-Person     Audience: Supervisors, Managers, CI Leaders

Change in manufacturing — whether a new process, a new system, or a new organizational structure — is only as successful as the people who implement it. This course helps supervisors and managers understand the human side of change, communicate effectively during transitions, manage resistance, and build employee commitment to new ways of working.

Learning Objectives

• Explain why change initiatives often fail and what leaders can do to improve success rates
• Describe the emotional stages employees typically experience during organizational change
• Communicate the reasons for change clearly and honestly to front-line employees
• Identify and address sources of resistance using targeted engagement strategies
• Develop a simple change communication plan for a current or upcoming transition
• Build employee commitment by involving teams in planning and implementation

MFG-LD-106  |  Strategic Thinking for Operations Managers

Duration: 8 Hours     Format: In-Person     Audience: Plant Managers, Operations Managers, Senior Leaders

Operations managers who are consumed by day-to-day firefighting rarely have the opportunity to think strategically about their facility's future. This course helps plant and operations managers shift their focus from reactive management to proactive strategic leadership — including KPI alignment, workforce planning, and positioning the operation for long-term success in the West Tennessee manufacturing economy.

Learning Objectives

• Distinguish between operational and strategic thinking and identify barriers to the latter
• Define and align operational KPIs with broader organizational strategic goals
• Apply basic workforce planning principles to anticipate and address future talent needs
• Identify threats and opportunities in the regional West Tennessee manufacturing landscape
• Develop a 90-day operational improvement plan with strategic priorities and metrics
• Communicate the facility's strategic direction clearly to supervisors and front-line teams

MFG-LD-107  |  Women in Manufacturing Leadership

Duration: 8 Hours     Format: In-Person     Audience: Women In or Aspiring to Manufacturing Leadership Roles

Women are an increasingly vital part of West Tennessee's manufacturing leadership pipeline. This professional development course addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that women face in manufacturing leadership roles, from building confidence and professional presence to navigating workplace dynamics and building strong networks. An empowering, practical course designed to help participants advance their careers in manufacturing.

Learning Objectives

• Identify personal leadership strengths and areas for growth as a manufacturing leader
• Build professional presence and confidence in traditionally male-dominated environments
• Apply effective networking and relationship-building strategies in the manufacturing sector
• Navigate workplace dynamics and address gender-related challenges professionally
• Develop a personal leadership development plan with specific career advancement goals
• Connect with peers and mentors in the West Tennessee manufacturing community