“The program assisted our supervisors in making better decisions and building stronger relationships. It gave them tools to motivate employees and promote positive change throughout the company.”Jeff MastersCFO - Safety Storage, Inc.
Situation
Safety Storage recognized a critical need to strengthen its supervisory team to drive improved communication, accountability, and morale across its operations. Supervisors often faced challenges in addressing performance issues, resolving conflicts, and motivating employees while maintaining productivity and safety standards.
Leadership wanted to build a consistent, supportive management culture, one where supervisors were equipped to handle both operational and interpersonal challenges with confidence. To achieve this, Safety Storage turned to IMEC to develop a comprehensive leadership training initiative designed to strengthen people skills, decision-making, and day-to-day problem-solving across all supervisory levels.
Solution
IMEC partnered with Safety Storage to design and deliver a Leadership Training Program focused on Training Within Industry Job Relations (TWI JR) and Connect Through Conversations Training (CCTC).
The customized program included:
- TWI JR Training: A proven 4-Step Method to help supervisors build positive employee relations, increase cooperation, and resolve conflicts effectively. The training emphasized that people must be treated as individuals to maintain strong workplace relationships and prevent issues before they arise.
- Connect Through Conversations (CCTC): A hands-on leadership course that taught supervisors to conduct purposeful, emotionally intelligent conversations that balance business outcomes with individual needs, fostering greater engagement and trust.
- Leadership Preparation & Follow-Up Coaching: IMEC facilitators worked directly with Safety Storage’s leadership team to clarify project objectives, set expectations, and sustain improvements. A 30-day follow-up session reinforced learning and guided supervisors in applying new techniques to real-world scenarios.
Through this multi-faceted approach, Safety Storage supervisors gained the practical tools, structure, and confidence to become stronger leaders; improving not only performance but also the company’s culture of respect and collaboration.
Results
The collaboration between Safety Storage and IMEC yielded measurable outcomes that strengthened the organization’s leadership effectiveness and workforce engagement:
- $120,000 in annual cost savings from reduced absenteeism, fewer rework issues, and improved retention.
- 12% increase in productivity driven by clearer communication and consistent supervisory decision-making.
- 15% improvement in employee engagement, reflecting higher morale and teamwork across departments.
- 8% reduction in employee turnover, as leaders fostered stronger relationships and more positive work environments.
- Improved conflict resolution and collaboration, leading to smoother operations and higher employee satisfaction.
These outcomes demonstrate that targeted leadership development not only improves team dynamics but also delivers measurable financial returns, reinforcing Safety Storage’s commitment to investing in its people as the foundation for long-term success.
This leadership transformation highlights the power of partnership between IMEC and Illinois manufacturers to empower supervisors, engage employees, and elevate organizational performance through continuous improvement and effective communication.
