Program Overview

Skills for New GEAPS Managers and Supervisors  

The Emerging Leaders Workshop is a comprehensive training program designed to equip front-line supervisors in the grain storage and processing industry with foundational skills to effectively lead their teams and navigate everyday supervisory challenges. Designed specifically for professionals working in the grain industry, this program addresses the unique needs of supervisors, superintendents, managers, and leaders transitioning from operator roles. 

Delivered by Dan Topf of Topf Business Learning, the program uses evidence-informed instructional practices to deliver an authentic, engaging, and practical learning experience. Participants will gain immediately applicable tools and frameworks to improve team performance, strengthen communication, and drive continuous improvement in their operations. This program is learner-centered and performance-based, designed to ensure participants can immediately apply what they learn.

Program Format 

Blended Learning Approach:  
  • Pre-Workshop Preparation (1-2 hours): Independent learning to introduce key concepts and prepare participants for hands-on applications  
  • One-Day In-Person Workshop: Interactive, facilitated session with peer learning, case studies, and practical exercises  
  • On-the-Job Application:  Encouragement through follow-up activities to apply learning in real work settings   

Program Content 

Module 1: The Leader’s Role and The Six Conversations (1.5 hours)Details

  • Understanding your responsibilities as a supervisor 
  • Building effective working relationships with team members 
  • The Six Conversations framework (Steve King) for initiating and adapting communication to individual needs: 
    • What is expected of me? 
    • What and how should I develop? 
    • How am I doing? 
    • How did I do? 
    • How will I be rewarded? 
    • What is next for me? 
  • Creating a foundation for ongoing dialogue and trust  

Module 2: Performance Thinking and The Six Boxes (2 hours)  Details

  • Introduction to performance thinking principles 
  • The Six Boxes model (Carl Binder) for diagnosing and improving performance: 
    • Organizational Factors: Information, Tools, Feedback 
    • Team Member Factors: Know-how, Capacity, Motivation 
    • Analyzing real-world scenarios through case study application 
    • Identifying root causes vs. symptoms of performance challenges  

Module 3: Performance Improvement Starter Pack (3.5 hours)  Details

Practical tools.  Cohort will select key few they find most relevant. 

  • Lean Tools: Plus/Delta, 5S, 5 Whys, Gemba Walk, PDCA.
  • Leadership Practices: Regular 1:1 meetings, FAST Goals, Encouragement, Modeling 
  • Team Development: Training, Development Planning, Delegation 
  • Creating sustainable improvement habits in daily operations  

Learning Objectives 

  1. Initiate and adapt to team members’ needs through the Six Conversations framework 

  1. Apply principles of performance thinking to optimize team performance

  1. Lead ongoing performance improvement efforts with practical tools

  1. Commit to personal learning and development, and the development of others, aligned with business needs 

Thank you to our Premier Partners