This course explores the essential differences between managing and leading, equipping participants with the tools to do both effectively. Through case studies, communication exercises, and team-building strategies, attendees will learn how to set expectations, resolve conflict, and foster a culture of accountability and growth. Whether you're new to supervision or looking to sharpen your leadership edge, this course provides a practical foundation for long-term success.

• Maintenance, production, and storeroom supervisors and managers seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities.
• Non-technical supervisors in HR, safety, or quality roles looking to strengthen team dynamics and communication.
• Professionals preparing to step into supervisory roles or lead cross-functional teams.

This course is part of the Maintenance and Reliability Management Certificate. Enhance your maintenance skills while earning a recognized credential.

Introduction

• Welcome and orientation
• Philosophy
• Definitions
• Continuous Improvement
• World Class

Leaders vs. managers

• The difference
• The need for both

Leadership traits and characteristics

• What to look for
• What to enhance
• What to change

Team building

• Creating empowered associations
• Developing partnerships

Setting expectations

• Competency based training
• True ownership
• Feedback

The change model

• Status quo
• Vision
• Expectations
• Metrics
• Behavior over time
• Culture change

Goal setting

• KPIs
• Goals
• Means
• Consequences

Conflict resolution

• Expectations
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Processes

Communication

• Communication model
• Communication plan
• Crafting the message
• Give it to them straight

John Ross

John L. Ross, Jr has been a practitioner of maintenance and reliability for almost four decades. He is a former Captain in the United States Air Force, a Distinguished Graduate of both the Aircraft Maintenance Officer School and the Squadron Officer School. John is a Gulf War veteran.

He is a published author of almost two dozen articles and two best-selling books: The Reliability Excellence Workbook, From Ideas to Action; Cover You’re A$$ets, Asset Management at Your Place and at Your Pace.

John is the President of the international reliability consulting company, Maintenance Innovators, Inc., a global thought leader in equipment reliability. John is the co-founder of the American Reliability & Maintenance Institute; creators and administrators of the Certified Storeroom Manager, Certified Storeroom Technician, and the Certified Professional Reliability Engineer certifications.

John is a certified Lean Manufacturing facilitator, Process Safety Management SME, and a Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP). John holds a U.S. Patent, an A.S., B.S., M.S. and Ph.D.