Think of Communications as Like Grease for a Machine

Tim Dolan, Sibley County Extension Educator

December 14, 2007

Communication in today’s world is something I would liken to grease or oil on a machine with a multitude of moving parts. There are situations that arise when a moving part devoid of any lubrication fails and the whole machine sits idle until the part is fixed or replaced and properly lubricated so the machine can be started up again. On that machine, there are grease zerks that plug up. Try as you might, no grease gets through to do its job.

In life and on our farms today that have employees, there are points in time where essential communications need to happen. Things can come to a standstill when a message doesn’t get through. With some attempt at communication it’s like the lights are on but no one is home. The communication zerks are plugged. “I heard everything you said, but could you repeat that. I wasn’t listening.”

I am reminded of a time when our youngest son was just learning to play the trumpet. He was eager to display his new found talent (making a real noise with the instrument). I had just gotten home from work, tired and needing time to relax. I am still foggy about the verbals beforehand. The lights were on! Was I home? I heard, but I didn’t listen. My son interpreted an approval to set up his instrument directly about a foot from my ear. He then let out a full, rich blast. At that point, he did have my complete attention. The plugged zerk was flushed and lubrication flowed freely. The lesson I took away from that was, when someone speaks, that person has a message deserving to… be heard! And listened to!

Over the years, I have not kept track of the number of farms I have traveled to and visited, but it would be a multitude. In visiting and working with these farms, I have also witnessed a multitude of various communication styles. Each person is a unique, wonderful minority of one, and hears and learns in their own way. It is easy to lose track of the richness of communicating with others and become complacent. Next thing we know, we presume something said once is enough. However, when put together with others, we can get things done on the “machine of life” – knowing what to do and when to do it. Grease costs money, communication takes time, time is money.

So, what are some key components of good grease or lubrication in communicating with one another on the farm?

1. Pleasant Presentation – A smile goes a long way. I heard it said on a commercial that laughing adds 8 years to your life. Good lubrication keeps the wheels turning longer.


2. Effective Interaction – To be effective means producing a decided or desired result while interaction conveys a mutual or reciprocal action or influence. In other words, one individual understands and does what the other individual wants, and the action is completed.


3. Free Flowing – Don’t hoard information or knowledge. Find a way for everyone in the system to know everything that needs to be known. (If you gave the #5 calf an injection at 5:00 a.m., write it down so it doesn’t get another one at noon.)


4. Keep it Simple – Find systems that assist communication. This bespeaks of having a system all individuals can read and communicate with each other on pertinent details even though they are not together at the same time.


5. Justifiable Rewards – When all is said, listened to and understood, then the job is done. Compensation is transferred in an appropriate fashion (paycheck, etc.) and emotional acknowledgment is given (thanks, good job). It is important to say something nice when you hand over the paycheck.

When you start analyzing grease, it has a complex chemical formula but it does a simple thing. It lessens friction and keeps the wheels turning. So it is with communications. There are complexities with conveying messages, but when done right, the farm business will flourish.

Day in and day out on the farm, there is a choice on how to communicate a decision or issue to others, there is a choice of attitude on how that communication is received, and there is a choice on carrying out the decision or action needed. As we look at things that enhance the effectiveness of communication, it seems to boil down to one word — respect. If we respect one another, the grease of communication flows freely to all individuals and levels, and the wheels will turn smoothly and over a long period of time.

Take the time, show respect, communicate. The farm business will be more successful as a result.