By Micki Vandeloo, President, Lakeview Consulting
In my 25 years in manufacturing, I have not found too many leaders who didn’t want to excel. When leaders think about the potential for their company’s success, and helping their firm reach that potential, they get truly excited.
However, the excitement soon dims as they are pulled into meetings and start fighting fires. They lose sight of what energizes them, and start working IN the business rather than ON the business. This often leads to frustration, burnout, and anxiety.
Does this sound familiar? If so, how do you, as a leader, get that excitement back? I believe two key resources can dramatically impact your ability to excel in work and in life.
Financial Resources
First, you must eliminate the frustration and anxiety. In my experience, most anxiety is caused by a leader’s inability to invest in growth. They see the potential for the company to increase market share and product offerings, but can’t justify the capital spending, facility expansion and training costs to facilitate that growth.
Grant funding and economic incentives can offset equipment, training and expansion costs, thereby increasing investment ROI and profitability. Find out more about how you can access grants and incentives in my upcoming webinar, Manufacturing Money.
Accountability Resources
Unfortunately, relieving the financial stress is only one step to help you excel. You must also relieve the stress of not progressing towards your goals. When you are constantly fighting fires, you are not achieving your professional goals. And, your frustration spills over into your personal life.
An Executive Coach provides the accountability, motivation and affirmation you need to develop a plan to excel, follow the plan and achieve your goals! You will learn how executive coaching services can help manufacturing leaders realize these outcomes in my upcoming webinar as well.
Imagine leaving work and feeling like you accomplished something! Imagine experiencing greater life balance while excelling at work! This can be your reality! Take the first step today!
For nearly 8 years, Micki served in project management and leadership roles within the National Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) system. Micki’s role in leadership in an MEP center 
launched her consulting career and a drive to see not only her clients, but the entire manufacturing industry, thrive. Today, she serves as a trusted grant writer and technical resource for manufacturing and technical program clients. Her expertise in identifying and attaining grants and other funding sources to support investment has helped countless clients accelerate growth and innovation. Connect with her on LinkedIn.