Clear, Concise, & Consistent Communication
Communication shapes how teams work, how decisions are made, and how reliably we operate at 3M Chem Ops. When communication is clear, concise, and consistent, it creates steadiness across shifts and supports effective leadership. These qualities matter most when things feel rushed or uncertain, as leaders who take the time to think through what they say help others stay grounded and focused.
Self-Assessment: Clear, Concise, & Consistent Communication
Please take a few moments to contemplate the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for personal growth in your leadership?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Remember, this self-assessment is just a starting point for understanding your knowledge of Clear, Concise, & Consistent Communication as a leader. It's essential to reflect on your responses and actively work on areas where improvement is needed. Additionally, working with your ECFL Leadership Coach or seeking feedback from a trusted mentor can provide valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses.
“Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.”
When communication falls short, problems tend to multiply. Messages that are unclear or inconsistent often lead to delays, confusion, or mistakes. Over time, this can affect more than just the task—it can start to shape how people feel about their work and their team. Here are a few signs that communication may need more attention:
Misunderstandings: People move forward based on assumptions rather than clarity. The same message means different things to different people.
Wasted effort: Time gets spent revisiting conversations, clarifying intent, or correcting avoidable errors.
Unclear expectations: When instructions shift or lack detail, it becomes harder for teams to deliver with confidence.
Drop in trust: Inconsistency can make people second-guess leadership or hesitate to ask questions.
Disengagement: When people don’t know where things are headed or how to contribute, energy fades.
These breakdowns don’t always show up all at once. They build over time, often starting small. Leaders who stay mindful of how their messages are landing can prevent confusion before it spreads.
Consider this: Kathy Myers, CEO of a large company, decided on a restructure to improve efficiency and reduce costs. She had a vision for the new structure, which involved merging several departments and creating new reporting lines. However, this change was communicated by Kathy through a brief email she sent to all employees. Kathy did not provide an explanation or a clear timeline for implementation; instead, she only shared some general information regarding the restructure.
What problems did this cause for Kathy and for the organization? Let’s add a little challenge to our journey toward clear, concise and consistent communication. Read each statement below and match it with these communication mistakes:
A. Ambiguity
B. Lack of Clarity
C. Unclear Timeline
D. No Opportunity for Questions
1. The email was vague and lacked specific details about how the restructuring would impact individual departments and employees. Employees were left with many unanswered questions, leading to confusion and uncertainty.
2. The communication was one-way, with no opportunity for employees to seek clarification. This lack of engagement left employees feeling unheard and frustrated.
3. The reasons for the restructuring or the expected benefits weren’t clearly outlined in the email. Without a clear understanding of the purpose, employees were left to speculate, which led to rumors and misinformation spreading.
4. The email did not provide a timeline for when the restructuring would take place. Employees were unsure when the changes would be implemented, resulting in anxiety and stress.
“You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.”
Answers: 1A, 2D, 3B, 4C
Sometimes, the breakdown isn’t in the work itself, but in the way the work is communicated. Even the most skilled teams can struggle when they aren’t sure what’s expected. This story highlights how a shift leader discovered that problem and rebuilt team alignment through better communication.
Pat Tern led the afternoon shift at a production area known for tight timing and complex sequencing. Pat was efficient and thorough, always moving the team toward the next goal. But on one particular Monday, the shift felt different.
Operators paused more than usual. Questions were asked, but not always answered. A material mix-up at the packaging station caused a minor delay, and two technicians disagreed about whether the updated process had started that day or next week.
Pat had shared the update earlier that morning and again during shift change. The content was technically correct… but it just wasn’t sticking.
That evening, Pat asked a few team members what they had understood from the earlier instructions, and their answers were mixed. One person remembered the timing, but not the purpose. Another mentioned an email that had gone unread. A third had assumed it was “just another reminder.”
Instead of explaining it again, Pat changed his approach. The next day, he created a simple version of the update using clear, direct language. He posted it in the control room and brought it to the huddle with one question: “What’s missing from this?”
By inviting feedback, Pat began to see what had been overlooked. Too much information was packed into a short window; some of the terms were unfamiliar. The timing was clear to Pat, but not to the rest of the group.
Over the following week, Pat shifted his habits. Messages were shortened and delivered in both verbal and written form. Pat also started checking back after updates, not to quiz the team, but to confirm what had been heard.
Over time, the tone of the shift changed. Less guessing, fewer repeat questions, and more confidence. The work hadn’t changed, but the leader had. And that shift created space for the team to succeed.
Ask yourself:
What habits did Pat change to improve communication?
How did Pat realize his message wasn’t being received as intended?
What role did listening play in helping Pat clarify expectations?
If you were in Pat’s position, what might you try first?
Most communication challenges don’t come from a lack of effort, but instead from habits that haven’t been examined. When work gets busy, it is easy to fall back on shorthand or assume others understand things the same way as you. When leaders pause to consider how their message will be received, they often find that small adjustments can lead to much stronger results. These best practices offer specific ways to improve communication:
Best Practices for Clear, Concise, & Consistent Communication
Know your audience: Understand who you are communicating with, their level of knowledge, preferences, and communication styles. Tailor your message accordingly to ensure it resonates with your audience.
Set clear objectives: Reflect upon the purpose and desired outcomes of your message before communicating. Ensure that your message aligns with these objectives and conveys the necessary information concisely.
Use simple language: Avoid jargon, technical terms, or unnecessary complexity that may confuse your audience. Opt for clear and straightforward language that is easy to understand.
Get to the point: Be concise and to the point when conveying your message. Eliminate unnecessary details or tangents that can detract from the main message. Focus on delivering the most critical information effectively.
Organize information logically: Structure your message in a logical manner, with a clear introduction, main points, and conclusion. Use headings, bullet points, or numbered lists to make complex information more digestible.
Be consistent: Ensure consistency in your communication style, tone, and messaging across different channels and interactions. Consistency helps build trust and clarity among your audience.
Seek feedback: Openly encourage feedback from your audience to ensure that your communication is clear, effective, and well-received.
At 3M Chem Ops, working on clear, concise, and consistent communication as a leader supports Vision, as those who communicate with clarity are able to help others see the path ahead. Leaders who communicate with clarity help others see the path ahead, making goals more understandable and decisions easier to act on. When expectations are clearly defined and consistently reinforced, teams gain confidence in where they are going and how to contribute. Communication becomes a tool for alignment, direction, and shared purpose, allowing leaders and their teams to move forward together with greater focus and intention.
Reflection Questions:
What is one message I’ve shared recently that could have been clearer or more concise?
Where might I be unintentionally sending mixed messages?
How could I support more consistency across shift changes or team updates?
Is there anyone I can ask for honest input about how my communication is received?
Strengthen your understanding of Clear, Concise, & Consistent Communication by sticking with the following resources. Use this opportunity to note new insights and adhere to practices that will enhance your leadership journey.
How to Speak so That People Want to Listen
Julian Treasure, TED Talk (9:58)
Speaking With Clarity in Leadership: The Ugly Truth
Michelle Bennett
10 Communication Secrets Of Great Leaders
Mike Myatt
Leadership Communication: How to Build Trust in the Workplace
Kristina Martic
