Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/278800
w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m March 2014 • /insight on manufacturing | 15 c o n t i n u e d > the series focuses on performance management workshops and presentations that tackle tough topics such as employee morale, respect, teamwork, communication and dealing with limited resources. UWFox Dean Martin rudd says the program is in direct response to concerns raised by manufacturers. a member of neW era, an organization of new north education leaders, rudd had an opportunity to meet with leaders from the neW Manufacturing alliance, and one of the employers' top concerns was the lack of so skills among workers. "is is something employers struggle with," he says. "ranen had a background in the area and came up with this program, which we hope is popular with manufacturers. ere are things they can do to help employees improve these skills, such as critical thinking and communication, and use them in the workplace." UWFox isn't the only new north- area college or university with training in place to address the concern manufacturers have about a lack of so skills among their employees. lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland offers skills training to area companies and a series of classes for manufacturing team leaders, for example. rudd says post-secondary institutions realize the importance of teaching not only their current students about such things as critical thinking, leadership, conflict resolution and team building, but that employees already in the workplace need these skills as well. "We need to be responsive to employers and their needs and we have programs in place that help do that," he says. Poor communication skills – whether it's from a For more information on the free McLanahan Solidarity Project, contact Ranen McLanahan, an assistant engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, at ranen.mclanahan@uwc.edu or call (920) 832-2631. To learn more "I was there with some interesting characters and we really ran into problems with motivation and saw that miscommunication between workers can be costly. I also realized the problems I saw were not unique to a small Alaska manufacturer; they are in all workplaces." – A.L. Ranen McLanahan, assistant professor of engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley f o r s a l e / l e a s e CommerCial real estate management • Brokerage • investment 920-428-8884 www.jrossassoc.com 1981 American Drive Town of Menasha • Newer building with 12 combined dock, overhead and van height doors • Building has 11,625 SF of warehouse and 4,375 SF of office/showroom