Emerging Leader Certification
Turn high-potential employees into confident frontline leaders (formerly Professional Team Leader)
Why manufacturers Enroll Team members
- Build confidence in new or emerging leaders
- Improve communication with teams and leadership
- Increase engagement and accountability
- Prepare future leaders before they get promoted
- Build a team that performs and works together effectively
Members: $750 per person, Non-members: $1,250 per person
Starts September 17th, 2026, View Schedule
“Getting people off the floor to learn from others—and then watching them apply those skills back on the job—quickly reveals who takes their role seriously and who’s ready for more.”
Brad DeBoer, Production Manager, States Manufacturing
THE CERTIFICATION INCLUDES
ONLINE TRAINING, REAL-WORLD PRACTICE, COACHING & A TEST
(Click the arrows to learn more)
Kickoff Event
All participants begin the certification with a 45 minute live virtual Kickoff Event that will introduce the certification structure and expectations, explain how to successfully complete the program and connect participants with support resources
Course 1: Learning Your Leadership Style
After completing all of the training videos and the workbook exercises in this course you will learn what motivates you, your strengths, and communication style.
6 Video Courses: 1 hour and 5 minutes total
• 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
Course 2: Learning to Lead Your Team
After completing all of the training videos and the workbook exercises in this course you will know how to provide day-to-day direction, prevent conflict, improve communication, and build trust among team members.
12 Video Courses: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes Total
• 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
Course 3: Learning to Lead Up & Across
After completing all of the training videos and the workbook exercises in this course you will know how to adapt your communication style, sell your ideas, and sync up priorities.
8 Video Courses: 1 Hour and 20 Minutes Total
• 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
Workbook Exercises and a Test
All participants are required to complete workbook exercises that demonstrate real-world application of the material learned and reviewed by the Manufacturers Alliance. Additionally, an open-book online test is required to reinforce shared leadership language and concepts.
Coaching
All participants are required to attend a 45-minute live online coaching session. The coaching session focuses on applying course concepts directly to real workplace situations and completing workbook exercises.
Meet Your
Instructors
Jessica Lyons
Jessica is the Director of People at BW Integrated Systems, a Barry-Wehmiller company. Jessica has previously held HR Leadership roles in electrical control panel manufacturing, condiment packaging, and automation equipment.
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.
Diane Bartels
Diane is a retired Division Operations Manager for Parker Hannifin, where she directed production across four plants and led teams through Change Management, Collaboration techniques, and Problem Solving.
Members: $750 per person, Non-members: $1,250 per person
Starts September 17th, 2026, View Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this certification for?
Emerging leaders, high-potential employees, leads, operators, techs, and engineers who are new to leadership or stepping into greater responsibility.
What is the time commitment?
The online courses, workbook exercises and test are completed at your own pace but typically completed in 1–2 months.
How much does the training cost?
Members: $750 per person / Non-members: $1,250 per person
Can I enroll a group of employees?
Yes. Many companies enroll groups of people to build bonds, a shared leadership language and strengthen consistency across teams.
Who do I contact to learn more about this certification?
Email our Member Services Manager, Monica at monicas@mfrall.com
EMERGING LEADER IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
Free helpful tools to help you find and develop emerging leaders.
