Professional Team Leader Certification
On-demand training for emerging leaders in manufacturing.
THIS CERTIFICATION WILL HELP YOU
- Identify your strengths as a leader
- Improve communication
- Increase engagement
- Implement changes that last
- Lead a team that sticks together
Set Your Skillset Apart
Become a Professional Team Leader by enrolling in the On-Demand Cohort
Step into leadership with confidence. Develop the tools you need to grow and stand out as an emerging leader in manufacturing.
Price: $750 Free for Midwest Manufacturers Association
Price: $750 Free for Midwest Manufacturers Association Members
Deadline for Enrollment: Friday, October 10th, 2025
“This will help us retain employees who want to learn and earn more all while spending less time in a classroom. ”
Scott Bliss, Operations Transformation Leader, Cretex
“Some people don’t like to learn in a classroom setting. This will help us invest in people who want to learn independently and at their own pace. ”
Melissa Sawin, COO, Pella Northland
THE CERTIFICATION INCLUDES
3 On-demand Courses + Workbook, Coaching, & a Test
(Click the arrows or download a printable PDF to learn more)
Learning Your Leadership Style
6 Videos 1 Hour 5 Minutes Total
This first course is made up of 6 on-demand lessons and workbook exercises. After completing the course you will learn what motivates you, your strengths, and communication style. Applying these skills will help you overcome the challenge of “letting go” so you can accomplish more hands-on work together, stop worrying about everyone liking you, and confidently lead a team.
Course Outline:
• Understand why you to want to lead: 10 Min
• Acquire the mindset of a leader: 10 Min
• Identifying your communication style: 20 Min
• Manage your time and energy: 10 Min
• Seeking accountability: 10 Min
• Tying it all together: 5 Min
Learning to Lead Your Team
12 Videos 2 Hours 30 Minutes Total
This second course is made up of 12 on-demand lessons and workbook exercises. After completing the course you will know how to provide day-to-day direction, prevent conflict, improve communication, and build trust among team members. Applying these skills will help you further transition from friend to leader and develop a team that wants to stick together.
Course Outline:
• Transitioning from friend to leader: 20 Min
• Skills to communicate like a leader: 20 Min
• Clarify roles, goals, and expectations: 10 Min
• Delegate daily tasks: 15 Min
• Run effective meetings: 10 Min
• Evaluate job performance: 10 Min
• Evaluate job satisfaction: 15 Min
• Give and receive feedback: 10 Min
• Reward & recognize performance: 10 Min
• Guide people through change: 10 Min
• Develop problem solvers: 12 Min
• How your behavior creates culture: 10 Min
Learning to Lead Up & Across
8 Videos 1 hour 20 Minutes Total
This third and final course is made up of 8 on-demand lessons and workbook exercises. You will learn how to adapt your communication style, sell your ideas, and sync up priorities. Applying these skills will help you become more versatile, be on the same page as your boss, and implement changes that stick.
Course Outline:
• Put yourself in their shoes: 10 Min
• Synchronize priorities & expectations: 10 Min
• Communicate clearly with your boss: 10 Min
• Sell your ideas and get to win/win: 10 Min
• Ask for performance feedback: 10 Min
• Get to know your boss & peers: 10 Min
• Lead across when not the boss: 10 Min
• Leading cross-functional teams: 10 Min
+ Application Exercises, Coaching, and a Test
Application Exercises: All certification applicants are required to practice applying what they learn by completing the application exercises in the workbook. Workbooks must be reviewed and approved by Manufacturers Alliance.
Coaching: All certification applicants are encouraged to schedule coaching after each course. Coaching sessions will be live-online, approximately 20-minutes each, and help you complete the application exercises in your workbook.
Test: All certification applicants are required to complete a test. The test is multiple choice questions and is intended to help everyone speak the same language. Tests are online and open book.
Meet Your
Instructors
Jessica Lyons
Jessica Lyons is the Director of People at BW Integrated Systems, a Barry-Wehmiller company that designs and manufactures end-of-line packaging equipment and robotic automation solutions. Jessica has previously held HR Leadership roles in electrical control panel manufacturing, condiment packaging, and automation equipment. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Mass Communications, Economics, and Management, and is currently working toward her MBA.
Kelly Hansen
Kelly is the Senior Vice President of People and Culture for Veit. She has over 20+ years of experience developing people and organizations and has a passion in helping others become the best version of themselves through leadership development and coaching.
Diane Bartels
Diane Bartels is a retired Division Operations Manager for Parker Hannifin, where she directed the production processes across QCD’s four plants. Her leadership helped the division achieve exceptional earnings and cash flow, even during the pandemic. She led strategies to transform culture to meet KPI objectives including Strategy Deployment, Change Management, High Performance Teams, Lean, and Problem Solving.
Price: $750 Free for Midwest Manufacturers Association Members
Deadline for Enrollment: Friday, October 10th, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this on-demand certification for?
Emerging leaders in manufacturing who want to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and prepare for future roles.
What is the time commitment?
On-demand courses and exercises may be completed in 1-2 months
What is included in the cohort?
Joining a cohort offers the benefits of accountability through a structured kickoff, clear deadlines, and the opportunity to learn alongside industry peers, while also allowing you to watch the training videos on demand.
How much does the training cost?
Training is free for all Midwest Manufacturers Association. Limited spots available.