💬✨ Why a Continuous Improvement Mindset Is the Secret to Leadership Growth
May 02, 2025 3:11 pm
Happy Friday!
Hello and welcome to the Leadership in Manufacturing Newsletter, trusted by over 2,400 professionals in the electronics manufacturing industry.
The Leadership in Manufacturing Podcast delivers practical advice and valuable leadership lessons to help you strengthen your leadership skills.
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And now, here are 3 insights, 2 quotes, 1 actionable tip and 1 challenge to ponder this week...
🔍 Three Insights From Industry Leader
I. Small Steps Create Big Change
Continuous improvement isn’t about massive overhauls. Real progress comes from countless small, incremental steps that build up over time. By breaking challenges into manageable pieces, teams can innovate without overwhelm—and look back to see how far they’ve come.
II. Invest Employees in the Solution
Change management succeeds when employees aren’t just informed, but actively involved. When people are asked how to make their work easier, their engagement and pride go up—and they become champions of the change across teams.
III. Automation Is More Than Productivity—It’s About People
Automation at Mouser Electronics didn’t just increase output. It improved employees’ quality of work life by reducing fatigue and mistakes, showing that investing in technology can simultaneously benefit both the business and its workforce.
đź’¬ Two Quotes From Our Guest
"If you have followers, then you are a leader. It’s not a title... Are you able to execute change and make things better?” - Pete Shopp, Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Mouser Electronics
“There’s nothing that happens in our warehouse when it comes to continuous improvement where it’s one person making it happen... There’s always multiple people involved, and then there’s actual change management.” - Pete Shopp, Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Mouser Electronics
âś… One Actionable Tip For You
Ask for Input from the Front Lines
Next time you consider a change in process or technology, start by asking the people who do the work every day: “What’s your biggest challenge, and how could we make your job easier?” Listen, and put their ideas into action. Their insights can reveal bottlenecks, inspire practical improvements, and build broad support for change.
❓One Challenge For You
Involve Your Team in the Next
Change Identify an upcoming change—big or small. Before you roll it out, create a forum or meeting where team members from every level can contribute ideas and raise concerns. Strive to include at least one suggestion from the front line in your rollout. Notice how engagement and ownership shift when everyone has a seat at the table.
Leadership is a journey—not a destination.
Thanks for tuning in and growing with us. Stay curious, stay bold, and keep shaping the future of your industry.
I’m grateful to have you as part of the Leadership In Manufacturing community.
Until next time—keep learning, keep leading, and keep making an impact.
Sannah
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