A 10-month leadership development program that prepares frontline supervisors and emerging manufacturing leaders to lead people, strengthen performance and navigate change.
From High Performer to Frontline Leader Many newly elevated supervisors are high performers, but they are often not equipped to shift into a leadership position. How does a new supervisor: Conduct a difficult feedback conversation? Respond to an employee’s safety concern? Handle resistance from a former peer? Lead employees through technological change? These are just a few of the scenarios new frontline manufacturing supervisors must address, and many are never given the tools to respond effectively. SME’s Manufacturing Leadership Accelerator helps close that gap. By developing practical skills in communication, coaching, problem solving and leading change, participants learn how to put leadership into practice on the shop floor.
Leadership Development That Goes Beyond the Classroom Backed by SME's manufacturing expertise and network, Accelerator is designed as sustained development, not one-and-done training. Over 10 months, participants learn new leadership concepts, apply them on the job and build on their skills over time.
Program Highlights 10-Month Program Sustained leadership development fits busy schedules and gives participants time to learn, apply and build new skills. Monthly Live Sessions Two-hour facilitated sessions focused on practical manufacturing leadership. 5 AI-Powered Simulations Practice leadership skills in a low-stakes environment with personalized evaluation and coaching. Applied on the Job Connect leadership development to real situations and challenges in participants’ day-to-day work. Peer Learning + Community Learn alongside other manufacturing leaders through group discussions, best-practice sharing and an online community. Smart Manufacturing + Leading Change Prepare to guide teams through changing manufacturing technologies, including AI.
Who Is the Manufacturing Leadership Accelerator For? The Accelerator is designed for employees preparing to move from technical roles into frontline leadership, newly promoted manufacturing supervisors and frontline leaders who want to strengthen their people leadership skills. Companies can enroll emerging leaders in a multi-company cohort or bring the program into their organization for one or multiple cohorts.
Manufacturing Leadership Backed by SME For nearly 100 years, SME has been advancing manufacturing to drive competitiveness, resiliency and national security. We accelerate widespread adoption of manufacturing technologies and build North America’s talent and capabilities. Covering 10 key topics over 10 months, and augmented with the latest AI simulation technology, SME’s Accelerator program ensures your employees gain the skills and confidence they need to become outstanding plant floor leaders. Craig CoyleFormer Apache Helicopter Pilot, West Point GraduateCreated in collaboration with Craig Coyle, the Manufacturing Leadership Accelerator incorporates his Lead Like a Pilot™ Framework, to build practical skills in personal foundation, core leadership skills, operational discipline and sustained growth.
