When I joined Manufacturing Works, I knew I was stepping into a unique organization. What I didn't realize was just how deeply learning and growth were woven into the fabric of our culture.
A Culture of Deliberate Learning
From my very first interaction during the interview process, it was clear that Manufacturing Works wasn't just talking about learning—they were living it. The onboarding process was thoughtfully structured, with daily check-ins with my manager, regular feedback sessions and employee surveys throughout my first 90 days, and a clear commitment to professional development.
The organization runs on frameworks that promote growth and understanding, including:
- The EOS Traction system
- CliftonStrengths
- "Always Learning" as a core value
Learning in Action: More Than Just Talk
What truly sets Manufacturing Works apart is how learning is integrated into our daily operations. Every staff meeting includes dedicated time for "staff learning," where we explore different topics together as a team. These are engaging sessions that encourage discussion, questions, and collective growth.
Beyond these regular learning segments, we participate in full-day seminars and workshops throughout the year. This structured approach to continuous education ensures that everyone on the team, regardless of their role, stays current with industry trends, develops new skills, and gains fresh perspectives.
Leadership Development and Team Growth
One of my earliest assignments was reading "Dare to Lead," which I later learned was part of a broader organizational commitment to leadership development.
Our management team engages in regular book clubs exploring works like:
- "It's the Manager: Moving from Boss to Coach" by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter
- "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott
- "Traction" by Gino Wickman
The team has also invested in tools to help with understanding each other, developing a deeper appreciation of our individual contributions and collective potential.
I even had the privilege of attending the Cleveland.com Women's Summit where our Vice President of Learning and Development was speaking. Spending time with five female colleagues who share my passion for career and personal development was inspiring!
The Soul of Manufacturing Works: A Powerful Force
What makes Manufacturing Works special is the genuine dedication of our team. We're:
- Learners and teachers
- Champions of growth
- Advocates for manufacturing
- Partners in community development
Leading by Example: Regional and National Impact
Our commitment to learning extends far beyond our office walls. Manufacturing Works both participates in and leads conversations at both regional and national levels.
At the recent Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) Summit, our team shared insights about leadership, manufacturing business ownership, and workforce development strategies with economic developers from across the state.
Five of our team members presented our innovative approaches to building strong manufacturing career pathways, particularly highlighting our successful pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship programs.
Our expertise hasn't gone unnoticed at the national level either.
Our Executive Director was invited to participate in a panel discussion alongside the acting U.S. Labor Secretary, representing our region's manufacturing interests and sharing our proven workforce development strategies. This recognition speaks volumes about the impact of our work and the value of our approach.
We're particularly proud of our recent designation as an Apprenticeship Ambassador, a national recognition that acknowledges our leadership in developing and promoting effective apprenticeship programs. This honor is a testament to our practical, hands-on approach to workforce development solidified by our curiosity and willingness to learn by doing.
What makes these achievements especially meaningful is how they reflect our organization's philosophy: we don't just learn and grow internally—we share our knowledge and experience to help others succeed. Whether we're conducting presentations or participating in panels and roundtable conversations, we're committed to showing others the way forward.
Tiffany's Takeaways
As a lifelong learner, finding an organization that not only supports but actively encourages continuous growth is incredibly refreshing! At Manufacturing Works, we serve the manufacturing community, while growing alongside it, learning from it, and helping shape its future.
Interested in joining a team that values growth, learning, and making a real difference in manufacturing? Connect with us to learn more about opportunities at Manufacturing Works.