We launched Communicating with FINESSE two years ago to help technically trained professionals become better communicators and facilitators. Breaking it away from JD Solomon, Inc. as a not-for-profit organization was a first step in building a broader community to execute the mission. We have done that in many ways, although such endeavors never go as fast as you first imagine. Today, we summarize seven key concepts of Communicating with FINESSE.
#1 Systems Thinking Is the Foundation
The good news for most of us is that communication is indeed a system. Even better, as technical professionals, we are blessed with the reality of what that means. The next time you serve as a trusted advisor, remember that effective communication requires systems thinking.
Why Systems Thinking Produces Effective Communication – Accendo Reliability
#2 The FINESSE Fishbone Diagram
FINESSE is a fishbone diagram, a mnemonic, and a mental model. FINESSE stands for Frame, Illustrate, Noise Reduction, Empathy, Structure, Synergy, and Ethics. As applied to effective communication, systems thinking is the cornerstone of FINESSE.
What is the FINESSE Fishbone Diagram? – Accendo Reliability
#3 The Roles of FINESSE and CATER in Systems Thinking
Things get a little dirty when humans get involved. In any system, human involvement can sometimes cause delays or issues. Linear and interactive communication approaches are essential elements of systems thinking.
Communication and Facilitation Secrets for Reliability Engineers – Accendo Reliability
#4 Use the Mental Model CATER for Better Collaboration
The mental model CATER will help you recall the five techniques that improve collaboration and team dynamics. CATER does two big things necessary for all greatly facilitated sessions. The mental model creates comparable knowledge among participants and opens feedback channels for successful collaboration.
So, You Want Better Team Dynamics and Collaboration? Try CATER – Accendo Reliability
#5 We Need a Communication Approach Before Applying Tips
Be careful not to confuse a collection of tips as an approach. As leaders, we are judged by our assessment of a situation and our chosen approach. FINESSE is a cause-and-effect approach based on systems thinking. If you have a better approach for your context, then use it. If not, remember that Communicating with FINESSE is never wrong.
Why Being a Successful Reliability Engineer Requires a Communication Approach – Accendo Reliability
#6 Soft Skills Matter
Effective communication is the one thing that makes your life better, more fulfilling, and more rewarding. That is equally true in life and your career. Give the soft skills and communication, in particular, the same emphasis that you give your hard skills. Soft skills are the difference makers.
The #1 Thing That Changes Your Life and Propels Your Career
#7 Two Books Provide Essential Guidance
The 2nd Edition of Communicating to Decision Makers and Facilitating with FINESSE help technical professionals improve their communication and collaboration skills. Employers seek soft skills across the many market sectors to complement the technical skills they assume are present. These two groundbreaking books provide the fuel to propel your career.
Two Books Help Reliability Engineers Communicate and Collaborate
Re-Introducing Communicating with FINESSE to Accendo Reliability
These seven articles re-introduce some key concepts of FINESSE as a communication approach. Look for other series on the bones of the FINESSE fishbone diagrams and the core ingredients used in CATER. Remember to look for webinars, publications, insights, and training events from the Communicating with FINESSE community.
Communicating with FINESSE is a not-for-profit community of technical professionals dedicated to being highly effective communicators and facilitators. Learn more about our publications, webinars, and workshops. Join the community for free.
JD Solomon is the author of Communicating Reliability, Risk & Resiliency to Decision Makers: How to Get Your Boss’s Boss to Understand and Facilitating with FINESSE: A Guide to Successful Business Solutions. JD Solomon Inc. provides solutions for facilitation, asset management, and program development at the nexus of facilities, infrastructure, and the environment.
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