Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Don't miss our next Remake Manufacturing Webcast: "Avoiding the Technician Trap," with Mike Wagner. June 10 at 12:00 noon CT

When manufacturing and technical organizations promote their best individual contributors into leadership roles, something predictable happens: the expert who used to solve every problem becomes a bottleneck. They slip into "Hero Mode," redo their team's work, avoid giving feedback, and wonder why their people are disengaging.

It's not a character flaw. It's the Technician Trap.

In this 30-minute introductory webinar, Mike Wagner, Founder of White Rabbit Group, unpacks why technical minds often come back from traditional leadership training unchanged — and what actually works instead. You'll see why technical leaders don't need more inspiration; they need a process they can run on Monday morning.
What You'll Take Away:
Spot the Trap. The three most common warning signs that a technical leader has fallen into the Technician Trap.
Name the Root Cause. Why "Binary Operating System" thinking — the very habit that made them a great expert — works against them as a leader.
See a Better Path. A first look at the Connected Leader framework and one practical step any technical leader can apply this week.

>>Register today: https://go.unl.edu/mepwebinars

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It's time to tackle problems using proven tools and methods. Register for "Problem Solving vs Firefighting" with Jesse DePriest, Wednesday, June 3 at 12:00pm CT. It's the first session of the Nebraska MEP's "Remake Manufacturing Webcast."

>>>Register: https://go.unl.edu/mepwebinars

Successfully developing and deploying strategy was the focus of MEP Director Elizabeth Morel's breakout session, "Scaling Up Without Screwing Up", at the Manufacturing Nebraska's Future Conference presented by Rensenhouse Industrial Solutions and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Be sure to register for Manufacturing Nebraska’s Future on May 27 and catch MEP Director Elizabeth Morel’s break out session, “Scaling Up Without Screwing It Up- Learn how the Nebraska MEP helps manufacturers grow without losing their minds or their margins. Then join a quick hit roadmapping exercise that helps you think strategically." Thanks to sponsors Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Rensenhouse Industrial Solutions.

>>Register:

Manufacturing Nebraska's Future 2026 Step away from the day to day and step into what’s next. Manufacturing Nebraska’s Future brings together industry leaders and decision makers for a focused day on the challenges shaping manufacturing today and the opportunities ahead. Through peer driven discussions, expert insights, and real wo...

May 15th, 12:00-1:00-How do you position your business for a successful ownership transition? Business transition is vital to a community this zoom lunch and learn will provide you the basics, for both business owners and service providers. Come learn about the importance of business transition in retaining community services, why business transition can take years, and different transition strategies. Pre-registration is required for this no cost program, May 15th from Noon to 1pm on Zoom, provided by Nebraska Extension and Thayer County Economic Development Alliance. Register at: https://go.unl.edu/cotran

Are you constantly putting out fires at work?

Are you trying to promote a technical employee into management?

Are you trying to run a manufacturing company, but it’s running you?

We’re launching a webinar series for June- the Remake Manufacturing Webcast. We have three free live presentations lined up-one registration gets you all three!

June 3, 2026 | 12 noon CST

Problem Solving vs. Firefighting - Jesse DePriest, 5L Leadership Group

June 10, 2026 | 12:00 noon CST

The Technician Trap

Why Great Experts Often Struggle as People Leaders — and What to Do About It. - Mike Wagner, White Rabbit Group

June 17, 2026 | 12:00 noon CST

Putting the Right People in the Right Seats

The Entrepreneurial Operating System - Katie Koester, EOS Worldwide

Learn more at https://nemep.unl.edu/webinars/

The Nebraska MEP says thank you and fond farewell to Mike Nagle, who has retired after ten years of faithful service as the MEP. Mike has served as the center's associate director, and interim director. Mike has been a knowledgeable and popular facilitator for our training workshops, sharing his forty-plus years of experience working for multiple manufacturers. We wish you all the best, Mike!

We encourage all to take this great opportunity to see the next generation of innovators from University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering! University of Nebraska-Lincoln Biological Systems Engineering Department

Join us at the College of Engineering Senior Design Showcase this Friday, April 24, at Kiewit Hall from 1:30-4 p.m. to see innovative design projects from 100+ teams of graduating seniors. Learn more at go.unl.edu/SDS-2026.

Supervisors from Instinct and Wilson Case are now equipped with tools and best practices from our Problem Solving workshop. Thanks for your participation!