Step into Leadership with Confidence Dates: March 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 2026Time: 12–2 p.m. ETFormat: Live Virtual TrainingCost: $479 for SME members, $579 for non-membersMembers must be signed in to receive discounted pricing. Register Now The Promotion You Worked for Should Not Feel Like Guesswork Transitioning into leadership is one of the hardest shifts in a manufacturing career. You move from being responsible for your own work to being responsible for people, performance, and results. Transitioning to Leadership in Manufacturing, offered by SME Membership and Tooling U-SME, is a six-part leadership development series built for professionals moving from front-line roles into supervisory positions. Each session delivers practical tools you can use immediately, and Sessions 2 through 6 build into a complete leadership skill set you can apply on the floor every day. Why This Program Exists High-performing individual contributors are often promoted into leadership roles without formal leadership training. Technical skill alone is not enough. You must learn how to lead people, manage conflict, communicate clearly, and make decisions under pressure. This program helps you move beyond technical expertise and build the people and leadership skills required to succeed in modern manufacturing environments.
Not sure if you should take this course? Watch the replay of our preview webinar on January 21 to determine if the course is right for you. Watch Replay Need help justifying the cost to your employer for reimbursement? Download the justification letter template and edit when submitting for approval. Download Letter
About the Instructor Elaine ‘Lainey’ Lien, CPCFounder & Chief Empowerment Officer, The Leader’s GPS Elaine ‘Lainey’ Lien is a certified Executive and Leadership Development Coach, Trainer, and Speaker who helps leaders navigate their journey with clarity, confidence, and compassion. As Founder of The Leader’s GPS, she has spent more than a decade equipping leaders across industries—including construction, precast concrete, manufacturing, and federal agencies—with the tools to communicate with influence, build resilient teams, and accelerate performance. Known for her dynamic style, Lainey blends serious insight with a dash of humor, making learning both impactful and fun. Clients describe working with her like having “a friend, coach, and therapist rolled into one,” often saying that partnering with Lainey was, “one of the best decisions I ever made for my career”, and that her workshops provide insights that help them become more influential leaders. Driven by her belief that leadership is a journey and your success is the destination, Lainey challenges leaders to grow into their best selves while keeping the experience practical, engaging, and unforgettable.
