You’re in a manufacturing job and need to communicate better. What’s the first step?

Communication is essential for any job, but especially for manufacturing. You need to coordinate with your team, follow instructions, report problems, and ensure quality and safety. But how can you improve your communication skills and avoid misunderstandings, errors, or conflicts? Here are some tips to help you communicate better in a manufacturing job.

1 Assess your needs

The first step to communicate better is to identify your communication needs and goals. What kind of information do you need to share or receive? Who are your main audiences and what are their expectations? How often and through what channels do you communicate? What are the common challenges or barriers to effective communication? By answering these questions, you can get a clear picture of your current situation and areas for improvement.

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Gaurav Singh

Results-Driven Production Manager | 15 Years in Paper Manufacturing | Skilled in Process Optimization | Proven Leadership in Paper Manufacturing Operations |Enhancing Efficiency and Quality in Paper Manufacturing.
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The first step to improve communication in a manufacturing job is to actively listen. Pay close attention to colleagues, understand their perspectives, and show genuine interest in what they have to say. Effective communication begins with a foundation of attentive and empathetic listening, fostering a collaborative and open atmosphere within the team.

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2 Choose your tools

The next step is to choose the right tools and methods for your communication. Depending on your needs and goals, you may use different modes of communication, such as verbal, written, visual, or digital. For example, you may use verbal communication for daily updates, written communication for formal reports, visual communication for diagrams or charts, and digital communication for emails or apps. You should also consider the advantages and disadvantages of each tool, such as speed, accuracy, convenience, and feedback.

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Louwanna Wilson, MS

Global Regulatory Affairs Professional
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The next step is choosing the right tools and methods of communication. This leads me to my favorite saying "there is no such thing as over communication." The answer to "which tool" is to choose all of the tools. For example, follow-up a call with an email, or an email with a meeting. Utilizing multiple communication techniques allows a chance for all participants to hear and be heard.

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Ruth Hunter

RA Project Manager Acquisition & Divestiture
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I totally agree @louwanna, we all have different communication styles so multiple tools is necessary. We are also all so busy that we may miss a communication, therefore, multiple communications are necessary as well. I'm learning more and more how visual people are and how short our attention spans can be. To support my work with The PMI, I'm even dipping my toe into the world of YouTube shorts to get messages across and connect people with more detailed communications and learning. We also have to monitor and adapt to see which channels are working and which are not!

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3 Follow the rules

The third step is to follow the rules and standards of communication in your workplace. These may include policies, procedures, protocols, or guidelines that regulate how, when, and what you communicate. For example, you may have to follow a specific format, tone, or language for your written communication, or use a certain code, symbol, or signal for your verbal communication. You should also respect the hierarchy, roles, and responsibilities of your communication partners.

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4 Be clear and concise

The fourth step is to be clear and concise in your communication. You should avoid ambiguity, jargon, or slang that may confuse or mislead your audience. You should also use simple and direct words, sentences, and structures that convey your message effectively. You should also be specific and relevant, providing only the necessary and accurate information. You should also be brief and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details or repetitions.

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Todd Schorer

Growth Expert for MFG Industry | Business Owner -> CEO of Your Business | Take Back Control, No More Fire-Fighting!
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In manufacturing, simple & speedy communication is essential. The primary task is to provide only the info that's requested or needed by others. Always go back and edit your messages to remove any and all filler. (After the simple answer, and with disclaimer or permission to expand, you can provide details or background.) Equally important is how questions are framed. Asking questions that can be answered with simple answers is a skill. Before you ask an open-ended question, can you reframe the question so it can be answered simply? Visual communication with symbols, colors, icons, & single words is more valuable than longer written instructions. Video that can provide visual + verbal explanation is more valuable than text communication.

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Bryan Fleming

I help high-tech and industrial businesses grow their customer base with strategic digital marketing solutions.
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In the art of communication, clarity and brevity are your swords, cutting through the fog of confusion. As the fourth decree, cast aside the cloaks of ambiguity, jargon, and slang that shroud your message in shadow. Wield the power of simplicity, choosing words, sentences, and structures as your allies to deliver your message with precision. Like a skilled archer, aim for relevance and specificity, releasing only those arrows of information that hit the mark of necessity and accuracy. Be swift and decisive, steering clear of the labyrinth of unnecessary elaboration and the echoes of repetition. This discipline ensures your words forge connections, not barriers, in the minds and hearts of your audience.

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5 Listen and respond

The fifth step is to listen and respond to your communication partners. You should pay attention to what they say, how they say it, and why they say it. You should also show interest, respect, and empathy, using verbal and non-verbal cues, such as nodding, eye contact, or smiling. You should also ask questions, clarify doubts, or confirm understanding, using open-ended or closed-ended questions. You should also give feedback, acknowledge receipt, or take action, using positive or constructive comments.

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6 Review and improve

The sixth step is to review and improve your communication skills. You should monitor and evaluate your communication performance, using criteria such as effectiveness, efficiency, quality, and satisfaction. You should also seek and accept feedback from your communication partners, using sources such as surveys, reviews, or comments. You should also identify and address your communication strengths and weaknesses, using methods such as self-reflection, training, or coaching.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You’re in a manufacturing job and need to communicate better. What’s the first step?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your needs

2 Choose your tools

3 Follow the rules

4 Be clear and concise

5 Listen and respond

6 Review and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Manufacturing

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You’re in a manufacturing job and need to communicate better. What’s the first step?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your needs

2 Choose your tools

3 Follow the rules

4 Be clear and concise

5 Listen and respond

6 Review and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Manufacturing

Rate this article

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