This course focuses on the critical role that front-line and middle managers play in enabling LEAN success on the shop floor. These leaders translate vision into daily practice and create the conditions for teams to thrive.

You’ll learn how effective shop floor leadership combines presence, coaching, and structure to drive performance, safety, and engagement. This course is a practical guide to building trust, solving problems, and reinforcing standard work where it matters most.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the role of shop floor leaders in LEAN
• Model and reinforce standard work and safety
• Use visual systems to support performance
• Lead shift huddles and improvement activities
• Coach team members for development and results

Introduction – The Role of the Front-Line Leader

• Welcome, Learning Objectives, and Course Overview
• Why Shop Floor Leadership Is Crucial
• Typical Gaps and How to Close Them
• Knowledge Check

Module 1 – Building the LEAN Daily Routine

• L1 – Visual Controls and Tiered Metrics
• L2 – Shift Huddles and Leader Standard Work
• L3 – Communication and Escalation Loops
• Knowledge Check
• Applied Learning Activity

Module 2 – Developing People and Teams

• L1 – Coaching for Performance and Growth
• L2 – Addressing Barriers with Empathy
• L3 – Leading by Example and Reinforcement
• Knowledge Check
• Applied Learning Activity

Module 3 – Managing Operations and Flow

• L1 – Verifying Standard Work
• L2 – Supporting Continuous Improvement
• L3 – Responding to Daily Disruptions
• Knowledge Check
• Applied Learning Activity

Conclusion – Putting It All Together

• Shop Floor Leadership Review
• Reflections on Leading in LEAN Environments
• Next Steps

Downloads

• Course Guide [PDF]
• Applied Learning Activities [PDF]

Online Course Format:

• A printable PDF Course Guide is provided.
• Course content is broken up into a series of modules.
• Each module consists of "bite sized" instructor-led lessons.
• Each module has a Knowledge Check.
• Each module has an Applied Learning Activity.
• Each course has a dashboard % completion that tracks progress

Webinars and email:

• Multiple monthly webinars addressing student questions.
• Support available through instructor email.

• The course certificate is earned through completion of all instructional Modules, Knowledge Checks, and Applied Learning Activities.
• Applied Learning Activities must be completed with supervisor/mentor comments and signature.
• Upon course content completion and approval of Applied Learning Activities, an electronic certificate is issued.
• Professionally printed and framed certificates available.