Exceptional Supply Chain Management relies on Effective Communication

In my experience, of conducting many supply chain reviews, across a wide range of organisations, the fundamental issue within supply chain management is ineffective communication between people, both within and across organisations.

Communication is the sharing of information and meaning between two or more parties.  Whilst systems and processes facilitate the flow of information, it is people who interpret and act upon its meaning.  It is here where so much can and does go wrong in supply chain management as there are so many people involved across functions, organisations and, with globalisation, across cultures.

Earlier this year I was interviewed on this by relationship coach Barbara Bradbury.  To listen to the interview podcast click here, then click on the play arrow to listen on-line.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast and the organisational issues it highlights.  The key points raised, in addition to those referred to by Barbara, are:

• Effective and honest communication is key to personal and organisational success

  However, effective communication cannot be assumed because there is a corporate communications strategy in place.  The test of effective communication is how well it works during times of stress and when problems occur.  If blame and finger pointing predominate then you can be sure there is a communication breakdown at some point in the chain.

• 60% of your own potential, and that of others, is there to be tapped into.

  Just think how many ideas, how much creativity lies dormant within you, your department or organisation, and how much more successful everyone could be if the release of this potential could be fostered.  Effective communication and respect for one another lie at the heart of this.

• Communication is a 2 way process.

  Be clear in your own communication really stating what you want or need and explaining why it is important to you.  Also check your understanding of others when they ask you; to do something; for help; for information.  A good point to start at is to understand what is needed by those people / departments / organisations up and down the supply chain from where you sit in an organisation.  You would be surprised how often these needs are assumed, misunderstood or not known at all.

I believe if organisations first examined the effectiveness of their operational communication and inter-personal relationships significant improvements could be achieved before embarking on major change programmes.

During the coming weeks and months I will be exploring these and other supply chain related issues in greater depth and look forward to receiving your comments and hearing about your experiences. 

If you are interested in discussing any of the subjects raised in more detail then do get in touch by email or phone.  My contact details are shown at the top of this page.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Comments

[Barbara Caroline Bradbury]

Sue, A great blog and very useful points identified. It is interesting how many organisations, in my experience, think that a communications strategy is the panacea to their problem and, as you mention, this is just not so!

[reverse logistics]

Its a nice blog. I think metrics and incentives of Supply Chain Management control the business performance between trading partners to ensure that every members do their best to provide products and services to customers.