Engagement often comes down to how you ask.
Supervisors know the job isn’t just about making sure machines are running, it’s about making sure people are engaged, paying attention, and thinking ahead.
On a busy factory floor, that difference matters.
The Challenge on the Floor
Think about a typical check-in: a supervisor makes their rounds and asks, “Everything running okay?”
The operator, juggling parts and paperwork, nods and says, “Yep.”
And just like that, the conversation is over. No real information exchanged. No detail about the slight vibration they noticed yesterday or the material that’s been harder to work with. Those issues remain under the surface until they show up as downtime, rework, or wasted product.
Closed questions send the signal that the supervisor wants a quick answer and to move on. That’s a missed opportunity.
Quick Win: Swap the Question
The fastest way to change this dynamic is simple: swap closed questions for open ones. Instead of questions that only allow for “yes” or “no,” ask questions that invite details, ideas, and experiences.
- Closed: “Is the machine running?”
- Open: “What are you noticing about how the machine is running today?”
The second version takes the same amount of time, but it creates space for the operator to share what they’ve seen. It also tells them that their perspective is valuable, and that you’re not just checking a box, you’re listening.
Over time, these small changes add up. The more supervisors ask questions this way, the more employees will naturally start offering ideas without being prompted.
Practical Swaps You Can Use Today
Here are some real-world examples you can put into play on your next walk-through, shift huddle, or check-in:
- Instead of “Do you understand the plan?” → “What part of the plan could use more clarity before we start?”
- Instead of “Any problems?” → “What’s one thing slowing you down right now?”
- Instead of “Everything good?” → “If you could change one thing about this process, what would it be?”
- Instead of “Did the team finish the order?” → “What made it easier or harder to finish the order today?”
- Instead of “Can you handle it?” → “What support or resources would make this easier for you to handle?”
These kinds of swaps don’t slow down production, they make the daily conversations you’re already having much more useful.
Why It Works
Asking better questions isn’t about adding one more task to a supervisor’s day. It’s about making the conversations you already have work harder for you.
- Employees feel heard. When workers see that their feedback matters, they’re more likely to speak up next time.
- Problems surface earlier. Small issues get attention before they grow into breakdowns or delays.
- Two-way communication. Instead of supervisors doing all the talking, there’s a real back-and-forth.
- Trust builds. When leaders consistently ask for input, it creates an environment where employees feel respected and engaged.
This isn’t theory, it’s practical. The shops that make these small shifts see better teamwork, faster problem-solving, and smoother production.
How POWERS Can Help
At POWERS, we know engagement isn’t about complicated programs; it’s about the daily habits that shape how teams work together. Through our management consulting work, we help manufacturers put structure around those habits so frontline supervisors don’t just manage, they lead.
We also bring in tools like DPS, our Digital Production System, which gives supervisors and management, real-time visibility into performance on the floor.
This makes it easier to ask sharper, more targeted questions, like “What’s causing this downtime spike right now?” instead of “Are we behind?” DPS takes the guesswork out of conversations and makes engagement more natural, because leaders have the data they need to drive the right discussions in the moment.
Try This Today
On your next shift, pick one closed question you usually ask and turn it into an open one. Notice how the conversation changes. You’ll likely walk away with more detail, more ideas, and more trust built in just a few seconds.
Want more practical ways to engage your teams and boost performance? Contact POWERS to talk with our management consulting team.
- Speak to an Expert: Call +1 678-971-4711 to discuss your specific challenges and goals.
- Email Us: Get tailored insights by emailing info@thepowerscompany.com
- Request an Assessment: Use our online contact form, and one of our expert manufacturing consultants will reach out to schedule an in-depth analysis of your operations.
