F113: From Shop Floor Expert to Effective Supervisor

In manufacturing operations, the most skilled operators are often promoted to supervisory roles with little preparation for leading people. While technically capable, new supervisors are suddenly responsible for communication, accountability, conflict resolution, and performance management; skills rarely developed on the shop floor. The result can be inconsistent leadership across shifts, strained team dynamics, and production inefficiencies that directly impact output.

This session explores how manufacturers can intentionally prepare technical experts for leadership without disrupting production. Drawing on real-world workforce development practices within manufacturing environments, participants will learn practical approaches to supervisor readiness, including structured leadership development, targeted skill-building for frontline leaders, and reinforcement strategies that align with daily production realities.

Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to strengthen frontline leadership, improve communication and accountability across teams, and build a stronger pipeline of supervisors capable of supporting operational performance.

Strong supervisors are not accidental...they are developed with intention.