In 20+ years on the warehouse floor, I’ve heard one complaint more than any other:
“Communication needs to improve.”
You’ll hear it in every facility, every meeting, every shift huddle. And with all the technology available, Slack, Teams and AI tools, why is this still such a problem?
Because at the end of the day, communication isn’t about the tool. It’s about the people using it.
🔍 Start With the Mirror
If you’re a leader, ask yourself: Are you doing everything possible to clearly and consistently communicate with your team?
I’ve sat in more meetings than I care to count, and one thing always stands out—almost no one takes notes. Personally, there’s no way I could remember everything from a meeting and still navigate all the decisions, distractions, and conversations that follow. Then somehow make it back to the floor and communicate it all accurately? That’s a setup for failure.
My solution: blend technology and old-school discipline. I use AI tools connected to my meeting apps to take notes, summarize key points, and even generate action items. And yes, I still keep a paper notebook. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just make sure your system works for you.
📣 Leading Other Leaders? Trust, But Verify
If you lead other leaders, the question becomes: How do you make sure the message doesn’t die in the chain of command?
It starts with culture. Set the expectation that every leader is engaged, note-taking, and following up. But expectations only work when you hold people to them.
I like to walk with my leaders through their areas and ask associates directly: “What are your thoughts on the new process?”
This does a few powerful things at once:
- It verifies whether communication actually reached the front line.
- It signals to your leaders that you’re paying attention to their follow-through.
- It gives associates a voice, closing the loop with honest feedback.
🔚 Final Thought
Good communication doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a skill, a system, and a culture you build every day.
If you’re tired of hearing “we need better communication,” it might be time to lead it better yourself.
📦 More insights from the warehouse floor at SupplyChain-Unboxed.com