I work for steel mill and need to develop a comprehensive, competency based, leadership program for blue collar workers. Most of which have worked there for 15+ years. Any suggestions on resources specific to manufacturing are most appreciated.
manufacturing

I'm wondering what lead to the conclusion to do leadership training for the more senior blue collar people. Having worked with hundreds of blue collar workers, I can assure you that it must to be very closely tied to business and performance goals. This close alignment is extremely important with blue collar workers - much more so than white collar workers. Blue collar workers have been terribly neglected when it comes to training. Yet they are the most receptive workers you'll even find. But ONLY if they see a very clear and timely need.. And that may be hard to convince them of when it comes to leadership training. Most will feel they don't need it. They got to their current position by working their way up through the ranks. Most are there because of seniority. They feel 'entitled' to their leadership role.

I would steer clear of all packaged leadership programs., or vendors pushing leadership training. The workers probably will rebell big-time. I suggest working with them in small groups to define their leadership needs - ask them what they find difficult in their jobs. If you don't go directly to them and have them as involved as possible in the training design, deverlpment, and delivery, you will lose them entirely. They will at best suffer through it. But do this only after the workers are totally convinced that they need it. Also, be sure that the group facilitator has credibility with the workers - not someone from another department in the company (such as training). In general blue collar workers are suspicious of anyone from the "outside." Once you have their trust and respect, they will appreciate training more than most.

You know that Six Sigma has its own leadership approach. Be prepared to hear "why isn't my boss here" and other variations. After 15 years "leadership training???? Leadership starts with trust and confidence.

Nero wolfe

Hello,
I think Kaliko makes some valuable points but this perspective is light on one critical component. Blue, white and even, green collar leaders all want the same thing out of training - for it not be a waist of their time!

Getting them involved early can have a big impact. I also agree that prepackaged programs and canned content should warrant caution. But a valuable day of training in the mind of any participant is marked by two critical factors: the Trainer and Take-aways!

Think about the best day of training you've ever had. Why is it the best? Probably because 1)You would jump at the chance to learn from that trainer again and 2) You walked away with stuff you could use immediately to positively impact your own work/life experience.

Matching the right Leadership Expert with the right audience of leaders is the most critical and difficult component for training success. People remember people not curriculum or training goals.

Send me a note. I may be able to help you find what you're looking for.

Totally agree! I certainly don't want to bring in another "canned" program that has little to no impact. I also am very sensitive to the credibility of the trainer.

I'm tossing around an idea: starting with a smaller group of high potential leaders (those new in the position or those willing to participate). We'll do more of a "workshop" where we teach a little, discuss a lot, and work through specific examples of problem area.

Thoughts?