Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/130708
Businesses in countries that are low-cost producers generally employ traditional hierarchical organizational structures that produce managers that stifle innovation and growth. U.S. companies that build a soft-skill-driven culture are able to develop new/ quickly while creating an environment that is both fun and rewarding to engage in. We can keep our economy strong and businesses competitive by focusing on continuous improvement in all aspects of our value chain; soft skills are the engine of the organization that will allow us to achieve this lofty goal. Yet another benefit is that these skills can be used in our personal lives, strengthening marriage and family relationships significantly. Given the challenging nature of teaching, developing and measuring soft skills, it is imperative that we begin the process as early as possible Make Monday morning TRAIN. INSPIRE. ENERGIZE. feel like Friday afternoon. PERFORMANCE-MINDED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS training@morainepark.edu PERFORMANCE-MINDED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS 920-924-3449 morainepark.edu/training Six Sigma I Leadership & Supervision I Technical Skills Customized Training Solutions I Strategic Development 24 | / insight on manufacturing • May 2013 improved products and processes quickly while creating an environment that is both fun and rewarding to engage in. in the life-long learning process. The Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance has partnered with several manufacturers and Lakeshore Technical College to create the Leadership Academy, targeted to develop soft skills in front-line production workers. The curriculum offers a mix of real life and online learning opportunities; the pilot program produced excellent results. However, we need to incorporate soft-skill learning opportunities much further back in our educational system – as far back as elementary and middle school levels. The NEW Manufacturing Alliance remains committed to supporting local school districts and technical colleges in developing effective methods to teach our students these life skills that can be utilized for both professional and personal success. F w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g .c o m