Module Three: Communication
Communication is one of the most visible expressions of leadership. It shapes how people understand priorities, how decisions are made, and how work gets done. At 3M Chem Ops, communication plays a critical role in maintaining safety, supporting reliability, and helping teams stay connected. When people know what to expect and why it matters, they can move with greater clarity and confidence.
Vision depends on communication. It is how leaders create alignment, build understanding, and offer direction. This is not just about the words we choose, but how we listen, how we respond, and how we carry ourselves in everyday interactions. Communication reflects what we value and signals whether others can trust our leadership.
“In our relationships, it is our responsibility to first listen and then to talk. When we allow others to be heard, we send a message that their needs are important and thus they are valued. When we begin the conversation with our wants, needs or desires, we immediately invalidate others. When we make our relationships all about us, we damage our ability to effectively influence others… Having the humility to listen and the courage to learn is a cornerstone trait for powerful leaders. Choose to discover the needs of others before divulging your own and you will make a difference.”
In this module, you will explore four skills that support strong communication: clear, concise and consistent communication, active listening, conflict resolution, and nonverbal communication. Each one helps reinforce a sense of shared purpose and vision. Each one also offers an opportunity to strengthen relationships and support operational discipline through consistency and care. Let’s get started!
