Clear, consistent communication is a foundational skill for anyone in machine shop management today. Strong communication deeply impacts everything from employee morale to customer satisfaction, and ultimately drives better outcomes across your organization.
Your communication style can make the difference between smooth operations and costly mistakes. Let’s explore the ins and outs of proper communication, why you should prioritize it at your shop, and how NTMA can help.
Why Communication Matters More Than Ever in Machine Shop Management
Shop floors are multi-generational, fast-paced, and constantly evolving. And with this comes one universal truth: not everyone communicates the same way.
One employee might prefer quick, direct conversations. Another might respond better to a softer lead-in, where you ask them how their family is before jumping into work. Adapting to each team member’s communication style can have a direct impact on:
- How effective you are at motivating your team
- How clearly instructions are understood on the shop floor
- How efficient your operations can be
Conflict: The Ultimate Productivity Killer
Think about it: how many hours have been lost in your CNC business because someone misread a message or took offense at a well-intentioned comment?
Mismatched communication styles can quietly erode productivity. A vague text or hastily written email can lead to confusion, frustration, and even conflict.
And when tensions start to build, it’s not just uncomfortable; it can be costly. If someone’s upset, their focus probably isn’t going to be on ways to increase productivity or improve customer outcomes. There’s a chance they’re stewing over the issue, and that takes time and energy away from their work.
Set the Tone and Lead the Charge in Positive Communication
There’s a saying we’re fond of: “Leaders make the weather.” As a machine shop owner or manager, your tone and behavior set the atmosphere inside your shop. If you’re tense, everyone feels it. If you’re thoughtful and optimistic, your team feels empowered.
That leadership responsibility starts with you as the owner, but it also extends to your mid-level managers as well. You can be the world’s most effective communicator, but if your supervisors aren’t held to the same standard, your people will feel the difference.
That’s where mentorship becomes a critical asset. Coaching your team isn’t just about operations and workflows; it’s about teaching respectful, effective communication and guiding fellow leaders to create sunny skies on the shop floor.
NTMA’s Emerging Leaders program is an ideal way to upskill your middle managers, helping them improve communication and build a stronger shop culture.
In Customer Communication, Honesty Is the Best Policy
Effective communication isn’t just about your internal team; it also means being clear with your customers. Be honest: how many times have you delayed tough conversations with customers about a problem or a delay?
The reality is that most customers are understanding as long as you’re honest and proactive. It’s not worth turning a small issue into a big one by hiding from it. Transparency is always better than silence.
Better Conversations, Better Results
Improving communication should be just as much a part of your machine shop business plan as any other process in your shop. After all, sharing timelines, relaying information about customer specs, or providing critical instructions on machining procedures are necessary for productivity and safety.
To summarize, here are some ways to improve communication in your shop:
- Understand individual communication styles
- Be transparent about your own style
- Keep tone in mind, especially in written communication
- Coach your managers to lead by example
- Use your NTMA manufacturing network to get advice from your peers
Want to learn more about how your peers’ communication strategies are supporting their efforts to refine their processes, improve employee retention, or increase margins? Join our vibrant NTMA community!