Five manufacturing professionals from the Sioux Falls area recently completed the Lean + Leadership for Supervisors program, hosted by Design Tanks in Sioux Falls and facilitated by South Dakota Manufacturing & Technology Solutions (SD MTS). The six-month training program focused on developing leadership skills, improving operational efficiency, and applying Lean Manufacturing principles to real-world workplace challenges.

Building Stronger Leaders Through Lean Manufacturing

Throughout the program, participants completed six full-day training sessions covering 12 modules designed to strengthen both leadership abilities and manufacturing processes.

Training topics included Lean Manufacturing Principles, Personal Values, DiSC Profiles, Listening Skills, Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Coaching and Influence Skills, Motivation and Delegation, Priority Management, and Handling Difficult Conversations.

The program incorporates principles from the Toyota Production System (TPS), with a strong emphasis on Respect for People, while reinforcing the importance of Continuous Improvement and Delivering Value to the Customer.

By combining practical leadership development with Lean Manufacturing strategies, participants gained valuable tools to improve communication, strengthen teamwork, and identify opportunities for greater efficiency within their organizations.

Applying Lean Principles to Real-World Improvements

As part of the program, each participant completed a course-long project focused on process improvement and leadership influence within their organization.

During the graduation ceremony, participants presented their projects, demonstrating how they applied the skills and concepts learned throughout the six-month program.

All five graduates demonstrated measurable improvements in cost, quality, and delivery within their operations, highlighting the value of combining effective leadership with continuous improvement practices.

Supporting South Dakota’s Manufacturing Workforce

Programs like Lean + Leadership for Supervisors play an important role in strengthening South Dakota’s manufacturing industry by equipping supervisors and emerging leaders with the skills needed to support their teams and improve operational performance.

SD SDMTSremains committed to helping manufacturers across South Dakota build stronger teams, improve processes, and achieve long-term success through practical training and business improvement services.

Congratulations to all five graduates on their accomplishments and commitment to continuous improvement!

Photo Caption: Pictured from left to right are Stuart Giere, class facilitator and Business Advisor for SD MTS; Bob Sieve, Design Tanks; Jarod Tolsma, Design Tanks; Dave Drilling, Grand Prairie Foods; John Unruh, Design Tanks; and Om Tamang, Grand Prairie Foods.