{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Leadership + Engagement for Frontline Supervisors: Fueling Great Conversations to Build Trust and Improve Team Performance with Phil M. Jones #79","description":"Welcome to Manufacturing Greatness with Trevor Blondeel, where we work with organizations to manufacture greatness by leveraging resources you already have to achieve greater retention, productivity, and profits. To learn more, visit www.manufacturinggreatness.com and click here to subscribe to Trevor\u2019s monthly newsletter. Now, let\u2019s jump in! Have you ever left a conversation on the manufacturing floor feeling misunderstood or frustrated by repeated requests that never seem to stick? Your words may be the missing link. In this episode, Phil M. Jones, influence expert and author of Exactly What to Say, shares insights on manufacturing leadership, communication skills, and employee engagement for Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Supervisors. Phil explains how intentional language, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership strengthen trust building and accountability. You will learn practical strategies for feedback delivery, difficult conversations, and growth mindset that improve productivity, support workforce retention, and create manufacturing cultures where conversations drive action and results. 3:00 \u2013 Leaders are often asked questions from their team, customer base, and others. As a leader, it\u2019s not always your job to provide an answer. Instead, what you often need to do is add an increased layer of clarity. 4:30 \u2013 \u201cHelp me understand\u201d is a very powerful phase. Example: instead of saying \u201cwhy haven\u2019t you done this safety check?\u201d ask \u201chelp me understand why you believe it\u2019s important that we need to do a safety check.\u201d 5:30 \u2013 Don\u2019t default to \u201ctell\u201d mode. Be curious and think about the best ways to serve your community and solve the problem. 6:30 \u2013 Questions are usually a strong way to start productive conversations. 8:00 \u2013 In great conversations, intentionality is key. This is important in all industries and even relationships outside work, like with your partner or children. 9:30 \u2013 Conversations should be fueled from a position of curiosity. 10:00 \u2013 If you don\u2019t understanding someone\u2019s context, your content is not going to get through to them. Take time to earn someone else\u2019s context before you add more noise! 10:30 \u2013 To find someone\u2019s context, try questions like \u201cwhen was the last time . . .\u201d or \u201chow do you think it made us feel?\u201d 11:11 \u2013 If you\u2019ve told someone to do something multiple times and they\u2019re still not getting it, the problem might actually be YOU and your communication 12:30 \u2013 Don\u2019t focus on what you need to say. Ask yourself what the other person needs to hear to understand what you\u2019re saying. 13:03 \u2013 \u201cI\u2019m guessing you haven\u2019t got around to it . . .\u201d is another impactful conversations starter that sets you up for productive dialogue and finding solutions. 13:30 \u2013 Let others \u201cown\u201d the solution. 13:37 \u2013 You don\u2019t want an answer\u2014you want things to get done! 16:45 \u2013 Even if you think you\u2019re able to think quickly, time some extra time to think about what you need instead of just blurting out the first thoughts that come to mind 19:05 \u2013 People do things for their own reasons, not for yours 19:45 \u2013 Questions start conversations, conversations become relationships, relationships create opportunities, and from new opportunities you can drive new actions 22:45 \u2013 When you need to get someone\u2019s attention, assume everyone is always busy and be dirct and intentional with your request 26:15 \u2013 Using the right words is important when communications by email, too. Don\u2019t put too many questions into one email and be sure you give the other person something to respond to. Connect with Phil M. Jones: Website Find additional resources at ExactlyWhatToSay.com Buy Exactly What To Say   ","author_name":"Manufacturing Greatness | Productivity | Retention | Profits | Continuous Improvement | Safety | Workforce Development | Labor Challenges | Skills Gaps | Industry 4.0","author_url":"https:\/\/manufacturinggreatness.com","html":"