Strengthening Leadership Alignment at Stockwell Elastomerics
Client Snapshot
Stockwell Elastomerics, a 106-year-old technical manufacturing firm based in Philadelphia, which transitioned to becoming an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company in 2017, has long been recognized for its manufacturing capabilities and it’s commitment to a workforce-centric culture. Following the uncertainties of the COVID-19 era, the company experienced a surge in product demand, leading to a 21% net revenue increase between 2020 and 2024. However, 2024 brought a 6% revenue decline, coinciding with a major ERP system upgrade and significant leadership transitions.
Over a three-year period, Stockwell promoted five employees to leadership team positions and hired three external members to the leadership team, replacing two separated team members and one retiring leader. These changes, while necessary, introduced new dynamics and challenges within the leadership team.
The Challenge
Despite strong overall performance, the pace of change and evolving team composition created friction and misalignment. New leaders were acclimating to their roles, and the team needed a cohesive strategy to navigate both tactical and strategic demands.
The Solution
To address these challenges, Stockwell Elastomerics partnered with Margaret Uhrich and MEA to design and deliver a comprehensive leadership development initiative. The engagement included:
Behavioral Insights
A team-wide behavioral assessment with supporting workshop helped members understand their behavioral styles and how these influence collaboration and communication.
Team Dynamics Workshop
Using Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, the team explored the foundations of high-performing teams and conducted a self-assessment to benchmark current dynamics.
Conflict & Communication Training
Practical training equipped leaders with tools to navigate critical conversations and manage conflict constructively.
Team Charter Development
The team co-created a charter to define shared values, expectations, and norms for working together effectively.
The Results
The leadership team emerged from the engagement with renewed clarity and cohesion. Key outcomes included:
Improved Collaboration
The team restructured its approach to problem-solving, distinguishing between tactical and strategic discussions.
Increased Engagement
Leaders committed to deeper connection through weekly team meetings and monthly social events.
Sustainable Momentum
With new tools and shared language, the team is better equipped to serve customers, support employees, and drive business results.
The Impact
This case study exemplifies how targeted leadership development can transform team dynamics and position an organization for long-term success. Stockwell Elastomerics is now poised to navigate future challenges with confidence and unity.
“MEA and Margaret Uhrich delivered! We have the tools and the momentum to work together more effectively for our customers, our employees, and all of our stakeholders. Margaret did the work with our team – and now the Stockwell Elastomerics leadership team is moving toward exceeding our goals.”
- Tom Rimel, President & CEO
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