One time investment, multiple times returns

The Managing Director of a Logistics Company called me in to do a “Communication Program”. How did you arrive at this need, I asked? You see, he said, my staff spends 15-20 minutes speaking to the same party 2-3 times a day every day and still they do not get what they want – therefore I feel, a Communication Program would help.

Mind if I ask a few questions, I tentatively asked. Go ahead he encouraged. How old is this company? 3 years, he said. How many employees do you have? About 60 in all spread across locations, he said. Could I presume, that all these employees have learned the work on their own, I checked? That’s right, he said. Well, I’ll facilitate a 2 days business program, I told him. It’ll not be a communication program, I clarified. Since I don’t know anything about your business, I’ll run it along with you as follows: I’ll ask you questions in front of your employees and then I’ll re-translate your answers into English, Hindi and Marathi. I want all your employees to attend – including the office boys and the runners at (the) JNPT (Port). I’ll require a large open room without pillars and 1 or 2 large white boards/markers/duster and a collar mic for myself and a couple of cordless mics for you and the audience, I told him.

* Their telecom costs came down
* Their work co-ordination significantly improved
* Interpersonal Relationships improved and Team Spirit and Bonding was palpable.
* Productivity jumped – measurably from 60 to 75 containers per month

Strategically orienting the business team to business priorities; gave unexpected, significant, measurable returns on a monthly basis.

One time investment, multiple times returns.