A Lunch and Learn leadership training program is a structured, one-hour development session delivered biweekly or monthly that reinforces leadership skills through short theory refreshers and live practice activities. Unlike one-time workshops, this format is designed to sustain learning after Live Leadership Training or alongside an Online Learning Academy program. As a result, teams continue applying leadership skills instead of gradually forgetting them.
If your organization has already invested in leadership training but struggles to maintain momentum, a Lunch and Learn program becomes the bridge between knowledge and consistent behavior change.
How Lunch and Learn Supports the Online Learning Academy
The Online Learning Academy provides structured, video-based leadership training divided into short, focused modules. Each lesson includes exercises, downloadable materials, and comprehension quizzes that lead to certification upon completion.
The platform is flexible and accessible, allowing leaders to learn at their own pace. More importantly, it delivers practical leadership development that mirrors live training content in condensed form. However, independent learning alone does not always translate into consistent application.
This is where Lunch and Learn becomes powerful.
Specifically, Lunch and Learn sessions enhance the Online Learning Academy by:
- Reinforcing key leadership concepts in a live environment
- Allowing participants to ask real-world questions
- Practicing skills through breakout discussions
- Encouraging cross-department collaboration
- Increasing accountability to apply lessons on the job
When individuals learn alone, they gain knowledge. In contrast, when teams discuss and practice together, they build culture. Ultimately, that combination drives measurable change.
What Happens During a Lunch and Learn Session?
Each session typically runs one hour and follows a practical, structured format designed for busy teams.
1. Topic Selection Based on Business Priorities
Leadership topics align directly with operational needs. For example:
- Accountability in shift teams
- Emotional intelligence under pressure
- Decision making in fast-paced environments
- Conflict resolution between departments
- Building confidence in new supervisors
2. Focused Theory Review
During the first 15 to 20 minutes, key principles from prior training or Online Learning Academy modules are refreshed. This ensures everyone reconnects with the foundational concepts.
3. Interactive Practice and Discussion
The remaining time is highly interactive. Participants engage in:
- Breakout room discussions
- Scenario-based problem solving
- Real workplace case studies
- Group question and answer sessions
Because participants bring current challenges into the discussion, learning becomes immediately relevant. As a result, leaders leave with practical actions rather than abstract ideas.
Why This Matters in Manufacturing Environments
Manufacturing leaders face unique and consistent pressures. Every day includes:
- Production targets
- Safety concerns
- Workforce scheduling
- Performance management
- Cross-department coordination
In reality, expecting a supervisor to complete one training program and permanently change behavior is unrealistic. For example, consider a company that completes a 12-session leadership development program.
Initially, supervisors improve communication and feedback practices. However, three months later, production stress increases. Gradually, leaders revert to directive behavior rather than collaborative leadership.
After implementing biweekly Lunch and Learn sessions, the organization experienced a shift.
Supervisors practiced feedback conversations in real time. Current shift conflicts were discussed openly. Success stories were shared across departments. Over time, leadership language became consistent.
Within six months:
- Employee complaints decreased
- Accountability conversations improved
- Engagement scores increased
- Supervisors reported higher confidence
The difference was not new content. Instead, it was structured reinforcement.
How Lunch and Learn Creates Sustainable Leadership Growth
Ultimately, leadership is a skill that requires ongoing practice. While one-time programs create awareness, repetition builds mastery.
Lunch and Learn sessions create sustainability through:
Consistency
Regular sessions maintain leadership focus throughout the year.
Shared Language
Teams develop a common vocabulary for communication and accountability.
Peer Support
Leaders encourage and challenge one another to grow.
Real-Time Problem Solving
Current operational issues are addressed using leadership tools.
Cultural Alignment
The organization strengthens its leadership baseline across all departments.
This approach aligns directly with the broader leadership strategy at Soaring Leadership.
Combining Lunch and Learn With Premium Membership
For organizations seeking comprehensive development, the Premium Membership provides access to all nine course categories and over 70 lessons.
When combined with Lunch and Learn:
- Leaders complete modules independently
- Teams apply learning together
- HR can request certification reports
- Skills are reinforced consistently
As a result, leadership development becomes layered rather than isolated.
Practical Steps to Implement a Lunch and Learn Program
If you are ready to strengthen leadership sustainability, follow this structured approach:
Step 1: Identify Leadership Gaps
Start by assessing recurring challenges such as accountability, communication breakdowns, or low engagement.
Step 2: Align Topics With Business Goals
Choose Lunch and Learn themes that directly support operational targets and performance objectives.
Step 3: Establish a Consistent Schedule
Biweekly or monthly sessions work best for maintaining momentum.
Step 4: Integrate With Existing Programs
Tie discussions directly to completed Online Learning Academy modules or live training sessions.
Step 5: Measure Results
Track improvements in engagement, turnover, productivity, and team collaboration.
For organizations seeking deeper transformation, Lunch and Learn can also complement Performance Consulting.
When Should You Add Lunch and Learn?
You should consider implementing Lunch and Learn if:
- Your team completed training but momentum is fading
- Leaders complete online courses without consistent application
- You want reinforcement without disrupting production schedules
- Cultural alignment across departments needs strengthening
Importantly, Lunch and Learn does not replace formal training. Instead, it multiplies the effectiveness of existing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should Lunch and Learn sessions be held?
Most organizations choose biweekly or monthly one-hour sessions. Consistency is more important than frequency.
Can Lunch and Learn be delivered virtually?
Yes. Sessions can be delivered virtually or onsite depending on your operational needs.
Does Lunch and Learn replace coaching?
No. Individual Coaching addresses personal roadblocks, while Lunch and Learn strengthens team-wide application.
Can HR receive certification reports?
Yes. Certification reports from the Online Learning Academy can be provided upon request.
Is this only for manufacturing companies?
While especially effective in manufacturing environments, the structure works across industries.
For additional questions, visit our full FAQ page.
Related Articles
- Manufacturing Leadership Objections and How to Overcome Them
- How Live Leadership Training Improves Accountability
- Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Production Environments
Explore more insights on our Blog.
Who Is Soaring Leadership?
Soaring Leadership is a Canadian professional training and coaching organization based in Mississauga, Ontario.
Founder and Board Certified Coach Joyce Hughes brings over 30 years of real-world manufacturing leadership experience. Our programs combine practical tools with heart-centered leadership development strategies that help leaders grow, lead, and thrive.
We offer:
- Live Leadership Training
- Online Learning Academy
- Premium Membership
- Personalized Coaching
- Performance Consulting
Contact us:
info@soaringleadership.ca
You can also book a free clarity session here:
https://outlook.office365.com/book/SoaringLeadership@corpex.ca/
Strengthen Leadership Sustainability Today
If your organization has invested in leadership development but struggles with long-term adoption, adding a Lunch and Learn leadership training program is one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure skills are applied consistently.
Visit https://www.soaringleadership.ca/ to explore your options or contact us directly to design a customized leadership sustainability plan.