Lean Quote: Good Communication must be H.O.T.

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Communication is not about saying what we think. Communication is about ensuring others hear what we mean."   —  Simon Sinek

In today's team-oriented workplace, the development of good interpersonal communication skills is an important key to success. With a bit of practice and some instruction, you can be on your way to building positive communication skills to use in your workplace and beyond.

The process of communication involves establishing a link with another person either directly (verbal or non-verbal) or indirectly.

Basic Communication Principles include:

·        Communication is an exchange of information

·        Communication is always and only one to one

·        There are two processes when communicating – sending and receiving

·        As a sender, we can use tools and skills to LINK with another person

·        As a receiver, we can use tools and skills to understand what is being conveyed

·        Information can be exchanged directly through words (verbal) or emotions (non-verbal)

·        Information can be exchanged indirectly through posters, signs, videos, e-mail or voice mail

The attitudes you bring to communication will have a huge impact on the way you compose yourself and interact with others. Choose to be honest, patient, optimistic, sincere, respectful, and accepting of others. Be sensitive to other people's feelings, and believe in others' competence. Good communication must be H.O.T.

H.O.T. stands for honest, open, and two-way.

Communication is a key ingredient for empowerment. Give every employee equal and direct access to information. Many companies have developed a trickle-down style of communication that alienates those employees who may not be "in the loop." The more informed employees are and the more communication is open, honest, direct and complete, the more likely employees are to feel empowered and connected to the daily operations and overall goals of their company.