Happy New Year from The Effective Syndicate!

Litmus Tests for Managers, Part 2 by Doc McIntyre, 12/18/24

Here’s the ultimate litmus test question for a manager:

Would I want my kid to work here?

This line of thinking can end a lot of debate over whether your company is good enough in various areas:

• Is our safety program good enough?
• Is our training program good enough?
• Is the way we treat each other good enough?

Note:? This line of thinking only works if you love your kid ??

Happy New Year from The Effective Syndicate!

As we kick off 2025, I can’t help but feel fired up about what’s ahead. A new year means fresh opportunities to reflect on where we’ve been, refocus on where we’re going, and double down on building something better—better workplaces, stronger teams, and a thriving future for American manufacturing.

This year, I want you to think about the ripple effect of the workplace you’re creating. Every time we improve safety, invest in training, or simply treat people with respect, the impact goes far beyond the four walls of your facility. Your people take those experiences home—they impact families, communities, and the future workforce.

Here’s the thing: real change doesn’t always come from big, sweeping moves. It’s often the small, intentional improvements that transform a company. Better onboarding for new hires. Clearer communication between teams. Leadership training that turns managers into mentors. These are the shifts that create a workplace people are proud to show up to every day.

2025 is the perfect time to take stock of your company as a whole. Post-election, the outlook for American manufacturing is bright, and the opportunity to set yourself apart has never been better. It’s not just about solving today’s problems; it’s about creating a legacy your people—and you—can be proud of.

Let’s make this the year to go all in. Focus on your people, your processes, and your performance. Together, we can make 2025 one for the books.