Every year, we ask some of the most accomplished professionals we know to share their best insights on communication, leadership, and problem-solving. The result? A mix of fresh perspectives, hard-earned lessons, and practical advice that cuts through the noise. From listening better to managing assets, picking the right software, and bridging generational gaps, these insights remind us that strong communication is at the heart of everything we do. Dive in and see what resonates—you’ll find some ideas that change the way you work.
Fred Schenkelberg on Listening
Listening is a skill that, when mastered, will set you apart from others in a good way. Being labeled a ‘good listener’ is a good thing. The ability to pause and listen avoids confusion, misunderstanding, and the consequences of not listening well.
Bob Latino on ‘The Reliability Approach’
The Reliability Approach is a systematic approach to keeping the plant running in an efficient, profitable, and safe manner. Perhaps we have little control over deciding who works in our department, but we should do everything possible to see that all of our people are placed where they will be most productive and satisfied.
Cliff Williams on Unlocking Asset Management Value
Every employee should be able to easily communicate how their actions impact achieving the value stated in the strategic goals. The challenge is that for most organizations, the departmental goal setting is done in isolation and internal looking – forgetting to communicate the link to organizational goals - or other departments.
Hank Kocevar on Asset Maintenance Strategy
The seven steps form a roadmap for developing a robust asset management strategy, ensuring your organization's consistent and efficient operation. Regular evaluation, communication, and adaptation are crucial to maintaining success in asset management. Choose your route carefully and realize you may need to take a couple of detours along the way.
Dr. Paul Martin Gibbons on People Are Our Greatest Asset
Businesses should value and manage people's assets no differently than they value and manage physical assets. This includes taking the time to correctly specify why you need the asset in the first place and how you correctly bring the asset into the organization so that it adds value immediately. People as assets must then be managed through their ‘useful life’ to maximize value and ensure they are motivated and have clear career plans. Without clear communication throughout this approach, the true capability will not be achieved.
Corey Dickens on Why We Suck at Selecting Software
Some have figured it out. Good news, you don't have to suck at it. You can learn from us, those who have been there, made similar mistakes, and have hindsight. To not repeat our mistakes, you must: 1. Define your problem, the real problem, not the surface pain; 2. Clearly define how you will go about it (from a workflow perspective and how much from cost); and lastly, 3. Involve others! You got this, don't suck.
Carl Carlson on Why Questioning is Important
Using questions is a skill employed to improve the transfer of knowledge. Learning how to ask the right questions enhances personal connection and communication. This article provides insights into why questioning is important and provides tips for improving questioning skills.
Greg Christensen on Passion and CMMSradio
Basic fundamentals – like maintenance and reliability – play a crucial role in how you communicate value across teams and how we can blend the perspectives of leadership and maintenance operations, which is why we are doing what we are doing! We need to dig deeper into this and it's a common topic on CMMSradio - It tends to come up in each episode.
Stan Meiburg on Communicating with Regulators
Five steps can be helpful in making your interactions with government both more successful and pleasurable.
Tom Walker on Communicating Water Policy
Policy theories, frameworks, and processes provide the lens for understanding and communicating water policy. In most cases, policy change is slow.
Sanya Mathura on Women and STEM
Women are now entering spaces where they were not present before and adding to the diversity of culture and thought which brings about the changes we need to see in the world.
Chris Millis on Communicating as an Engineer in the Public Arena
Effective communication is hard work. Know the issue, condense, and refine your message. Take communication seriously or ramble on through life hoping you said or wrote something that someone understood.
Ken Latino on Communicating Asset Performance Management
About 13 years ago, I began a reliability journey at a large paper mill. While I thought I had all the answers and was going to teach the mill a thing or two about reliability, it ended up teaching me a hell of a lot more.
Jeff Lineberger on Communicating Interest-Based Negotiation
Interest-based negotiation can lead to more sustainable and satisfactory outcomes by emphasizing mutual gains and fostering cooperation. Three major aspects of interest-based negotiation are included in the article.
Jessica Morgan on 6-Points for Communicating Creative Materials
The success of any creative project hinges on clear and effective communication. By communicating these six points, you increase the likelihood of delivering a final product that truly resonates. Communicating these points ensures your work is understood, appreciated, and ultimately approved, no matter what the creative work might be.
Tim Baumgartner on Four Things Makes an Effective Project Manager
Being an effective project manager means being a leader. Take the reins and move forward. Be honest and straightforward with clients. Communicate boldly. Project managers are hired for expertise and not to agree with every perceived opinion.
LaRhonda Julien on How to Make Your Next Conference More Meaningful
Conferences offer a great opportunity to showcase your skills, gain insights, and build relationships. Traveling for a conference? It takes careful planning. Try preparing using this advice.
Marisa Silva on Communicating IN Project Management
Make no mistake: as a Project Manager, your ability to communicate can steer your project toward success or drive it into chaos. Be clear, consistent, and intentional in everything you say (and listen to what's said in return!), and ensure that your stakeholders are on the same page as you. Nail these recommendations, and you’re already halfway to project success.
Kamber Parker on Gen Z vs. Millennials in the Modern Workplace
By understanding and embracing the differences between Gen Z and Millennials - and all generations for that matter - organizations can create a more cohesive and dynamic workplace. This not only enhances productivity and innovation but also ensures that employees of all ages feel valued and understood.
Anteneh Zewde on Fundraising Essentials Provide Powerful Lessons for Effective Communication
Getting started with fundraising can be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to begin. But with the right approach, it doesn't have to be difficult. As you build your presentation, you will learn effective communication. The key is to figure out how a company's contribution will benefit the company and your project in just a few short slides. Keep it short and be sure to update your sponsor.
Thanks to the CWF Guest Contributors
Guest Insights continues to draw some of our greatest interest at Communicating with FINESSE. Occasionally, we get a comment like, "That one seems pretty random." With a bit of a grin, our answer is usually something like, "That's the whole point." In the randomness, there is order. And common themes around the soft skills—the people skills—matter most. Ask some of the best people you know for their advice. Great stuff bubbles up!
The elements of the FINESSE fishbone diagram® are Frame, Illustrate, Noise reduction, Empathy, Structure, Synergy, and Ethics. Communicating with FINESSE is the not-for-profit community of technical professionals dedicated to being highly effective communicators and facilitators. Visit our Tackle Shop for communication and facilitation resources. Join the community for free.
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