Communication Styles in the Workplace Can Increase Productivity by 25% (Quiz)

Communication is the essential way in which we share knowledge, thoughts, ideas, values, etc. Within an organization the ability to communicate well differentiates those who can reach the highest levels of management and those who can't. The higher one moves up the organization in terms of position, the more people they need to influence, and in turn the stronger the communication skills needed. Below you will find a few tips on communication that I thought might be beneficial. 

This is an interesting read on how communication can improve workplace productivity by as much as 25% Mastering the Art of Communication

Tips:

-Listen so that you understand the message, purpose, and goal. 

-Think before answering. Ability to self-reflect.

-Be clear and concise in your communication. Your essential points should provide direction to employees.

-Provide the level of detail needed to get the point across without confusing the goal.

-Reflect on conversations because new knowledge can come.

-Understand the goal and perspective of the person. 

-Because communication is recipricol you want to encourage feedback.

-Consider cultural differences in communication.

-Follow up with people when needed to close a loop. Complete a conversation.

-Unless necessary, avoid emotional quick responses. Emotional Intelligence.

-Beware of anchoring. Different perspectives, backgrounds, symbolisms, context, etc. change what is understood within communication.

-Consider helpful behaviors and demeanor to create the right flavor of communication.

-Have situational awareness.

-Seek to create improve quality and depth of conversation.

-Understand different personalities and how they interepret information. Try and relay information in ways they can process.

-Seek to create agreement and concensus. 

A Quiz:

There is a test where you can review your own communication style. There is no right or wrong but more or less what reflects your style. There are natural strengths and weaknesses in each style under different situations.

Communication Styles in the Workplace (Quiz)

Me? I'm intuitive and like the big picture and ideas. I could struggle with process. However, generally as I get older I get much better with process and understand when processes are helpful and when they deter creativity. There are times to be free form and times to follow a logical process. Understanding when each is necessary can increase creativity as well as further useful structure. 

Artifacts and Displays at the Nautical History Gallery & Museum: Continental Marines Through the Ages

A little but mighty museum provides artifacts and colorful displays of continental marine's past in the Nautical History Gallery and Museum.  The collection of U.S Navy and Marine Corp memorabilia from 1775 to 1945 provides more than an eye catching display but also brings to life the history that helped our nation and the standards of service. 

There are five periods of Naval Evolution:

1775-1840

1840-1887

1887-1912

1912-1930

They have some pretty interesting pictures of model ships on their website.

If you are interested in history consider:

Resolution Establishing the Continental Marines 1775 

Brief History of the Corps. 

Just in case you want to enroll in a different kind of education. Marine Corps University

If your interested in in donating to the museum I'm sure they will be much appreciated. Donate to Nautical History Gallery & Museum

Nautical History Gallery & Museum
2640 Historic Decatur Road
San Diego, CA 92106

Delta County MI. Board of Commissioners Meeting (4/24/2025): It is all about positions!

The most recent meeting provided an excellent example of administrators working to build a consensus around how to hire and what type of positions are needed. There was also a good example of the structure of such positions in determining who should be hired and for what. Sometimes when we look at tasks we find that some functions can be removed as no longer essential, some can be moved to lower levels of administration, and other times efficiencies can be built in by tweaking the processes. Looking at the functionality of positions, flow of information, and how decisions are made can do a lot to streamline process and save labor capital. At the end of the day, each position must carry its weight in value so as to support sustainability.

Local and Regional Innovation Collaboration (Cluster Theory Development)

There are ways to encourage firms to become increasingly more competitive when functioning within a fertile environment designed to maximize innovative assets. The study of economic clusters helps us think of ways in which economies can develop. Innovation is becoming increasingly important to industry as well as to government stakeholders because it often comes with financial rewards such as improvement in GDP, taxes and/or wages (...part of the model is quality of life but is often seen as less imporant. It is essential to growth.)

The first manuscript presented below is on company based level and the second is focused more on a regional level. It is important to understand the nature of a phenomenon and what factors go into creating a viable cluster. One needs to understand current research and then take a step forward beyond what is available or known to further advance science. At least that might be a good goal.

Study 1: The study Strategy, Efficiency, Structure and Manufacturing Performance helps understand how manufacturing within a competitive environment leads to operational efficiciency and innovation (Handoyo, S. et. al 2023). Companies that proactively adapt strong practices outperform those who take defensive strategies. In the cluster theory I'm working on a level of competition-collaboration leads to faster operational, research and technology adaptation cross-industry in many cases (depending on how a cluster is designed.). Theoretically a cluster should be designed to create an environment with the right balance of pressures to limit stagflation but also maximize healthy adjustments.

Study 2: From a regional level we know that fostering innovation and development rests on the ability to attract firms to the area that sets the base for development. Special care should be taken in selecting anchor industries because they can catalize innovation in other areas. Start-ups based around the needs of these anchor industries sometimes take a life of their own. According to Regional Innovation and Economic Growth the amount of innovative firms in an area lead, research and development (R&D) investments, open innovation, and high-medium tech industries drive for greater Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP)  (Pyo & Choi, 2025).

Handoyo, S. et. al (2023). A business strategy, operational efficiency, ownership structure, and manufacturing performance: The moderating role of market uncertainty and competition intensity and its implication on open innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9 (2). 100039, ISSN 2199-8531, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100039.

Sangjae Pyo, Sang Ok Choi, (2025) Regional innovation and economic growth: Empirical insights from FGLS, FE-DKSE, and XGBoost-SHAP approach. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 11 (2) ISSN 2199-8531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100524

Marine Industry Changes and Recreational Boating: Mystique Still Floats!

Boating for some is a hobby, for some a passion, still others inspiration, and for a lucky few an encompassing lifestyle! No matter what brings you to the world of boating and sailing it is now the time you spend on the water that counts. People are becoming more drawn to the world of boating and new investments around San Diego and places as far as Escanaba have experienced growing interest in their harbors. Whether you are on the Pacific Ocean or on the Great Lakes, the joys of sailing are not just for scallywags and salty dogs but also for those who enjoy the freedom of nature to unknown destinations.

Growth in Recreational Boating:

The future of recreational boating looks it is staying afloat according to this report. It discusses the issues facing the marine industries as well the 5-7% growth rate of recreational boating and a rise in alternative propulsion. Customers also seem to want customization, eco friendly boats, boat rentals for the experience, and technology on boats.   Navigating Marine Industry Trends: Financial Results and Market Outlook for 2025

The Story of Mystique:

The ship Mystique almost sun and was saved by dock hands. The damage to the wiring and bildge pump is going to cost a few thousand dollars. The people who sail Mystique in San Diego are very nice group of recreational boaters that are hoping to engage in some of the fun races in the future (Lots of fun races in the SD area. It is a type of lifestyle.). The captain has a Go Fund Me Page Here if you would like to contribute to their repair work. 

The captain enjoys taking her friends and club members out for leisure trips. She always has an open heart when it comes to good people and good fun. 

Escanaba City Council Regular Meeting Thursday (April 17, 2025): Grants and Arbor Day

The city had done a strong job maximizing grants and other value driven initiatives in their development and reemergence.

April 17th, 2025 Escanaba Agenda Review the budget, economics and costs.

Don't forget to plant a tree Arbor Day April 25th, 2025

The city is on a positive trajectory and effectively navigating wider market adjustments (It could actually be an opportunity if a few more businesses move to the area.). 

Honoring Pope Francis and His Contribution to Humanity

It is important to honor the loss to humanity of spiritual leaders such as Pope Francis who worked on the behalf of the poor, downtrodden and often those discarded by society. There are spiritual leaders of different religions that teach us the importance of treating each other well and living for something beyond the day. Some may call these Philosophers of God who teach people about the world. Most religious have their own spirtual leaders who reach for a higher more noble world. Such knowledge helps us put or own lives in perspective and the choices and actions we take every day. If you believe there is something more beyond your time here then you will be your own advocate for personal improvement. Vatican News: Pope Francis Passes Away