Workshops
Experiential training to learn new leadership and process improvement skills. Taught by experienced peers
For manufacturers to
Learn & Apply New Skills
Attendees experience the difference Lean and leadership makes in real-world, interactive training simulations.
Preferred pricing for members
Members: $345 – $545 per person
Non-members: $445 – $645 per person
Leadership Development
Becoming an Influential Leader
Workshop Description:
Leaders who master influence attract, develop, and retain strong teams. This workshop helps you understand which personal traits drive your impact and how to use them intentionally. Learn practical ways to build trust, inspire commitment, and create positive influence that strengthens relationships and results.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Build rapport with a diverse workforce
▷ Develop personal influence to lead effectively
▷ Drive engagement and reduce turnover
Conflict, Communication, Collaboration
Workshop Description:
Communicating and managing conflict are among the most important and challenging jobs of leaders. Participants become more aware of conflict management strategies and when each of them might be appropriate. They will have the opportunity to practice collaboration skills (i.e., win-win problem solving and principled negotiation) through one-on-one skill practices and small group exercises.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Prevent unnecessary/unproductive conflict
▷ Create an open communication environment
▷ Select the appropriate conflict management strategy
Employee Performance Management & Coaching
Workshop Description:
Learn how to build employee success through structured on-the-job training and coaching. This workshop introduces a proven model, goal-setting methods, and feedback tools to improve performance. Gain practical ways to recognize achievements, address attendance or attitude issues, and conduct effective coaching and performance reviews.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Conduct structured on-the-job training
▷ Set clear job expectations and goals
▷ Coach and recognize for improved performance
(NEW) Finance for Non-Financial Leaders’
Workshop Description:
This course will help you master the financial language of business, so you know how your company makes money. When complete, you will be able to ensure your improvements impact company financials, financial jargon doesn’t limit your contribution in meetings, and you don’t rely on historical accounting measures to motivate future process improvements.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Learn the language of management – Money
▷ Develop measures that motivate future performance
▷ Gain confidence in your ability to develop ROI calculations
Leadership Style & Versatility
Workshop Description:
Effective leaders have a specific set of influence skills in style awareness and versatility. Participants will learn about the strengths and potential blind spots of their own style and that of others, identify other people’s styles, and learn how to adjust their style to relate more comfortably with others. Focus is placed on applying understanding of style differences and versatility to issues of supervision and leadership.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Understand communication style differences
▷ Adapt behavior for effective leadership
▷ Apply style awareness as a supervisor
Leading Organizational Change
Workshop Description:
Leaders who move the business forward first need to understand the current state of the business, team dynamics, and process flow. This course will help you lead the type of change that will connect silos, remove tunnel vision, and improve the way work gets done.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Foster cross-functional collaboration
▷ Navigate policies and politics diplomatically
▷ Drive organizational alignment and optimism
Leading People Through Change
Workshop Description:
Successful companies adapt quickly, but people naturally resist change. This workshop gives you practical tools to guide teams through uncertainty, build buy-in, and help others embrace new directions with confidence. Learn how to communicate change clearly, reduce resistance, and move initiatives forward effectively.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Build buy-in for new initiatives
▷ Reduce resistance to change
▷ Lead teams confidently through transitions
Maximizing Team Performance
Workshop Description:
Learn what gets in the way and what fosters teamwork, and aligning people around common goals and clarifying roles among team members. Participants practice team processes, communication, and decision-making to build an environment fostering creativity from their team. Tools are provided for soliciting feedback from their teams on how well they are performing.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Encourage team alignment and goals
▷ Clarify roles and foster communication
▷ Promote teamwork through rewards and feedback
Mastering Crucial Conversations & Communication
Workshop Description:
Effective leaders communicate with clarity, empathy, and confidence. This workshop helps you strengthen your leadership presence by being transparent, direct, and collaborative. Learn to ground communication in empathy, build trust across teams, and model the behaviors that inspire performance and respect.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Master tough conversations
▷ Adapt communication style in various situations
▷ Rally support behind a vision
Staying Coachable
Workshop Description:
High-performing leaders know yesterday’s habits won’t drive tomorrow’s success. This workshop helps you identify what to keep, change, and strengthen to sustain results over time. Learn practical strategies to adapt your leadership, stay effective through change, and build a foundation for long-term success.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Sustain performance in leadership roles
▷ Identify and address leadership blind spots
▷ Balance support, growth, and learning
Strategy, Scorecards, & Accountability
Workshop Description:
Effective leaders focus on what truly drives results, not slogans. This workshop helps you set clear priorities backed by resources, build scorecards that track progress, and establish accountability systems that ensure commitments are met. Learn to align your team’s actions with meaningful goals that deliver real outcomes.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Set clear priorities with current resources
▷ Use metrics for better decisions
▷ Drive accountability to commitments
Supply Chain Negotiation Strategies
Workshop Description:
Effective supply chain negotiations ensure your company gets the right product at the right price at the right time while strengthening supplier relationships. This workshop equips participants with strategies to prepare, navigate different negotiation styles, and apply proven tactics for successful outcomes. Through hands-on exercises, including negotiating for real money, participants will build confidence in their negotiation skills.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Preparing for a negotiation using a Negotiation Planner
▷ Applying effective negotiation tactics to reach successful agreements
▷ Navigating global negotiations with confidence
Download Workshop Flyer >
The Frontline Leaders’ Role in the Hiring Process
Workshop Description:
When you follow an effective process for interviewing and selection, the chances are greatly increased that a good hire will be the result. The organization should see a reduction in costs due to turnover, retraining, and negative impact on department morale that often results when the wrong person is hired for the job.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Conduct effective interviews
▷ Develop performance-based questions
▷ Accurately assess candidate suitability
Download Workshop Flyer >
The Role of the Leader
Workshop Description:
A leader needs to get work done through other people which requires developing skills in effective delegation. Participants will learn guidelines for delegation plus a worksheet for and opportunity to practice effective assignment of a task. Learn the importance of “setting others up for success” by holding and communicating expectations for high performance.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Master effective delegation
▷ How to set up others for success
▷ Build trust and credibility as a leader
Continuous Improvement
6 Sigma
Define and Measure
Workshop Description:
Improvement starts with a clear standard and accurate measurement. In this workshop, you’ll apply the DMAIC problem-solving process to define and measure your processes, establish baselines, and align goals with customer and business expectations, laying the foundation for meaningful, data-driven improvement.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Define process standards and performance baselines
▷ Align improvement goals with customer and business needs
▷ Apply the DMAIC process to measure and understand quality
Download Workshop Flyer >
Analysis
Workshop Description:
Understanding data is key to solving real problems. In this workshop, you’ll use the DMAIC problem-solving process to analyze processes, identify true root causes, and separate correlation from causation. Learn to use data confidently to drive improvements without getting stuck in analysis paralysis.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Identify true root causes using DMAIC analysis
▷ Use data to make confident, informed decisions
▷ Eliminate recurring issues and improve performance
Download Workshop Flyer >
Improvements & Controls
Workshop Description:
Real improvement is more than activity; it’s sustained progress. In this workshop, you’ll use the DMAIC problem-solving process to implement and control improvements that last. Learn to test ideas, manage risk, and embed solutions so your team achieves measurable, repeatable, and lasting results.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Select and implement effective improvement solutions
▷ Control risk and sustain results over time
▷ Apply DMAIC tools to ensure lasting process improvement
Download Workshop Flyer >
6 Sigma (Online)*
Define & Measure (Online)*
Workshop Description:
Improvement starts with clarity and measurement. In this workshop, you’ll use the DMAIC problem-solving process and Minitab software to define and measure your processes, establish performance baselines, and align goals with customer and business expectations, building the foundation for data-driven improvement.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Define and measure key process metrics using Minitab
▷ Establish baselines aligned with customer expectations
▷ Build data-driven improvement plans with clear goals
*Participants will need access to Minitab
Download Workshop Flyer >
Measure & Analysis (Online)*
Workshop Description:
Knowing what to measure is key to solving the right problems. In this workshop, you’ll use the DMAIC process and Minitab to analyze data, uncover true causes of performance issues, and quantify improvement impact. Gain the skills to use data confidently without needing to be a statistician.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Identify and analyze true process causes with Minitab
▷ Quantify the impact of improvements with data
▷ Build confidence using analytical tools for decision-making
*Participants will need access to Minitab
Download Workshop Flyer >
Analysis & Improvements (Online)*
Workshop Description:
Improvement requires more than activity; it demands focus on true causes. In this workshop, you’ll use the DMAIC process and Minitab to identify root causes, align countermeasures, and implement effective solutions. Learn to apply tools like 5-Why, Fishbone, and Cause Mapping to achieve measurable, lasting results.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Identify and address true root causes with DMAIC
▷ Select and test effective improvement solutions
▷ Use Minitab and problem-solving tools with confidence
*Participants will need access to Minitab
Download Workshop Flyer >
Improvements & Control (Online)*
Workshop Description:
Sustained improvement requires discipline, not a one-time effort. In this workshop, you’ll use the DMAIC process and Minitab to make improvements stick. Learn to apply mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke) techniques, embed solutions into daily work, and create habits that prevent backsliding and ensure lasting results.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Apply mistake-proofing methods to sustain results
▷ Embed improvements into daily operations
▷ Use Minitab to monitor and maintain performance
*Participants will need access to Minitab
Download Workshop Flyer >
A3 Problem Solving (Custom Training)
Workshop Description:
A3 Thinking is a versatile, continuous improvement, and project management tool. It allows its users to align, coach, report, and share. It can be used to create a structure for managing problem-solving, process improvement, and process transformation; any work, big or small. Like all Lean tools, it provides a structure to learn, gain new skills, and apply them to achieve your business’s objectives.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Manage continuous improvement projects
▷ Structure Problem-solving and improvement
▷ Achieve business objectives with Lean tools
Download Workshop Flyer >
Creating Process Maps
Workshop Description:
Process mapping reveals where time, quality, and resources are lost, and how Lean thinking can eliminate waste. In this workshop, you’ll map real processes, identify improvement opportunities, and learn pre- and post-mapping tools to streamline workflows, enhance delivery, and strengthen overall performance.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Streamlined process mapping
▷ Tools for sustainable improvement
▷ Effective change management
Daily Accountability with Tiered Meetings (Custom Workshop)
Workshop Description:
This course will help you develop daily accountability meetings that include communication that supports the problem-solving process. When complete, you will be able to identify problems upstream and address them before it is too late, as well as avoid pencil whipping by developing true lean thinkers.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Identify problems before it is too late
▷ Lead change with a process, not a personality
▷ Develop lean thinkers, avoid just filling out A3 reports
Download Workshop Flyer >
Design of Experiments (Custom Workshop)
Workshop Description:
DOE is a fast, cost-effective way to model cause-and-effect relationships and optimize process or design settings. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll use Minitab to design, run, and analyze experiments that reveal how key variables impact quality, then determine the best settings to improve results and performance.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Identify critical process variables
▷ Use Minitab to design and analyze experiments
▷ Optimize processes with data-driven insights
Download Workshop Flyer >
FMEA & Design for Manufacturing Assembly (Custom Workshop)
Workshop Description:
FMEA and DFMA help teams anticipate and prevent problems before they occur. In this workshop, you’ll learn to evaluate designs and processes for potential failure modes, assess risks, and implement preventive actions. Participants will apply structured methods to strengthen reliability, reduce costs, and improve quality from concept to production.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Identify and prioritize potential failure modes
▷ Develop effective preventive actions
▷ Improve reliability and quality in design and process
Download Workshop Flyer >
Gemba Walks (Custom Workshop)
Workshop Description:
Effective leaders solve problems where they happen: at the Gemba. This workshop teaches you how to conduct purposeful Gemba Walks that build alignment, uncover real issues, and keep leaders connected to the work. Learn to observe with intent, engage teams, and identify resources needed to improve performance.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Conduct effective Gemba Walks with purpose
▷ Stay connected to daily operations and challenges
▷ Identify and act on opportunities for improvement
Download Workshop Flyer >
Kaizen Rapid Improvement
Workshop Description:
This workshop will provide the education and experience necessary to deploy rapid improvement teams at work. Participants will learn to measure what is important, gather the necessary resources, decide who does what, and set and accomplish a one-week schedule for project completion in order to accomplish more in less time than most teams take to agree on what they should be doing.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Gain rapid improvement process tools
▷ Overcome efficiency barriers
▷ How to prepare for rapid improvement projects
Leaders’ Standard Work (Custom Workshop)
Workshop Description:
This course will help you implement the management practices and routines that are necessary to embed operational excellence in your culture. When complete, you will be able to shift your focus from reactive to proactive management, fight fewer fires, prevent yet another lean reboot, provide team members with stable and predictable leadership, and know how much time you have for “variable” project work.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Shift from reactive to proactive management
▷ Provide predictability and stability to team members
▷ Creating your own standard work in the training
Download Workshop Flyer >
Learning to See Waste
Workshop Description:
The first step in creating a culture of continuous improvement and developing an army of problem solvers is to help all employees identify opportunities for improvement. Participants gain knowledge and the tools required in order to help a critical mass of employees learn how to define value and identify and eliminate waste. After completing the workshop, participants will have experienced the difference between traditional and Lean manufacturing and its components.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Using Visual Controls
▷ How to define value
▷ Identifying and eliminating waste
Managing for Daily Improvement (Custom Workshop)
Workshop Description:
Great leaders shift from solving problems themselves to empowering others to improve every day. This workshop shows you how to build systems, tools, and routines that help teams sustain performance and drive continuous improvement, so progress doesn’t depend on one person but becomes part of the culture.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Develop systems that support daily improvement
▷ Empower teams to solve problems independently
▷ Sustain higher levels of performance over time
Download Workshop Flyer >
(NEW) Measuring the Right Things (Custom Worksop)
Workshop Description:
“You get what you measure” is a truism among managers. Therefore, it is of critical importance that you “measure the right things” to get the performance you desire. In this case, the intended outcome is performance improvement. So, don’t get caught in the trap of using historical accounting measures to measure and motivate current and future performance improvements!
Key Outcomes:
▷ Connecting metrics across levels of the organization
▷ Understanding leading vs lagging indicators
▷ Connecting metrics to core operational categories (SQDC)
Download Workshop Flyer >
Mistake Proofing (Custom Workshop)
Workshop Description:
Mistakes happen, but smart systems prevent them. This workshop teaches how to apply Poka-Yoke (mistake-proofing) techniques to eliminate errors before they occur. Learn how simple design and process adjustments create reliability, support continuous flow, and build a foundation for error-free Lean manufacturing.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Prevent Errors with Poka-Yoke
▷ Discover and correct mistakes
▷ Engage workforce in error prevention
Download Workshop Flyer >
Root Cause Analysis
Workshop Description:
Does the desire to act overpower the need to understand? Participants will learn to understand the problem, the process, the people, and the distinctions between the types of causes, as these are stepping stones to effective root cause analysis to permanently eliminate problems from recurring. When structured methods and tools are used, this can be accomplished.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Streamlined Process
▷ How to effectively use Root Cause Analysis tools
▷ Building the right team dynamics in problem-solving
Setup Reduction (Custom Workshop)
Workshop Description:
Participants will learn the tools necessary to conduct a setup reduction event. These tools will then be applied to a simulated process, where they will identify wastes, make improvements, and track their progress. Various options to “sustain the gains” achieved during the process will also be covered.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Reduce setup times and waste
▷ Apply setup reduction tools practically
▷ How to prepare for rapid improvement projects
Download Workshop Flyer >
Standard Work
Workshop Description:
Standard work defines the current best work process. It is the baseline for continuous improvement and is a tool used in auditing processes. Conformance to standard work contributes to the results needed to stay competitive, but is something we really don’t want to do. Until you can apply repeatable standard work successfully, improvements will yield less than their full potential and backsliding will be prevalent.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Establish standard work documentation
▷ Develop a baseline for continuous improvement
▷ Prevent blacksiding in operations
Visual Management & 5S
Workshop Description:
You can tell a well-run plant and office without a narrated tour. The visual clues are everywhere. This is a straightforward approach that impacts your customer and employee image, productivity, and sales. Visual management and 5S allow employees to show pride and organization in their area, give them performance feedback, provide incentives to hit their goals, illustrate what is expected of them, and recognize a job well done. These techniques can help overcome language and reading barriers and boost learning retention.
Key Outcomes:
▷ Improved productivity and organization
▷ Strong team management and ability to give feedback
▷ Clear visual communication tools
“One of the most impactful things I took from this course was how I personally handle conflict and how I can dissolve conflict within the workplace.”
Hannah Nagle, Production Planner II, Heraeus Medevio
MEET A FEW OF OUR
EXPERIENCED PEER INSTRUCTORS
Kara Slocum
Kara Slocum is the Director of Manufacturing Operations at Nystrom, Inc. She has over 15 years of experience in facilitating, managing and leading Continuous Improvement efforts including 100+ Kaizen activities.
Scott Bliss
Scott Bliss is an Operations Executive with more than 25 years of medical device leadership experience.
John Berger
John Berger is the Global Director of Quality and US Manufacturing for Ergotron. He has 25 years experience leading Lean and Six Sigma improvement teams in a wide variety of plant and office settings.
Kacinda Ruiz
Kacinda Ruiz is a Sr. Operational Excellence Leader for Trystar with 18 years of experience working with teams on strategy development and execution, improvement event facilitation, lean training, problem solving and servant leadership coaching.
The details on
How Workshops work
- In-person training held in Golden Valley, MN
- Also available onsite, customized to your needs
- Login to your account to register your team
- Open to all, members receive preferred pricing
