Last semester, Marian University's Ancilla College hosted our first-ever LEAD program. This program aimed to equip local businesses with enhanced leadership skills, particularly in the manufacturing industry. Among the program's inaugural participants were employees from ITAMCO, including Michael Delp and Doug Hochstetler.
Michael Delp, utility team leader and trainer at ITAMCO, joined the company just over a year ago after a 25-year career in education as a school administrator, math teacher, and coach. Despite being relatively new to ITAMCO, Michael shared that the LEAD program provided a valuable opportunity to build relationships with colleagues while gaining insights into their personality types, strengths, and leadership styles.
"The best leaders never stop learning—not only about themselves but also about how they can better serve those around them," Michael said. "The LEAD program did exactly that. It allowed us to foster stronger relationships, improve meeting dynamics, and enhance the quality and efficiency of our production processes."
Doug Hochstetler, engineering manager at ITAMCO since 2011, oversees manufacturing processes throughout the entire product lifecycle. He noted that the program's focus on personality types, goal setting, and principle-centered leadership was particularly impactful.
"The goal-setting exercises provided actionable tools I can use when working with employees," Doug explained. "The program helped us not only understand ourselves better but also improve our teamwork and collaboration."
Both Michael and Doug highlighted the program's unique ability to cater to individual learning needs, with lessons on balancing approaches to challenges and exploring personality dynamics through tools like the Colors Personality Test. They both spoke highly about the program's value in creating personal and professional growth, recommending it to other businesses.
"This type of learning environment and growth is hard to replicate without outside facilitators," Doug said. "The LEAD program helps improve workplace culture and connections, making it an invaluable resource."
Marian University's Ancilla College is proud to offer the LEAD program to local businesses and organizations seeking to invest in leadership development and team building.
To learn more about the LEAD program or to inquire about hosting a session at your business, click here: https://www.marian.edu/ancilla-college/offices-services-at-marian-universitys-ancilla-college/manufacturing-leadership-program.php