Anyone who has ever attended a business course knows that communication is an important aspect effective management especially in turbulent and changing times. In an age when we are so bombarded with information on a daily even hourly basis, we have all had to develop our skills in sifting out the important from the unimportant. From an organisational perspective this insightful article describes some of the innovative ways in which Toyota are tackling their internal communication processes including: damage limitation mechanisms; morale building events; powerpoint minimisation; telecommunicating; and’ expanding use of social media.
The article reminds us of two important aspects of effective communication. First that it is a two-way process. Second, that in the modern business environment, indirect (or not face-to-face communication) is probably as important as direct (or face-to-face) communication. Toyota realise this and are using communication strategies to their advantage.