Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT included in the communication skills for team members?

1. Written communication

2. Brainstorming

3. Indirect communication

4. Direct communication

The correct answer is: Brainstorming

The selection of brainstorming as the option not included in the communication skills for team members is insightful when considering the context of standard communication skills necessary within a manufacturing environment. Communication skills primarily focus on clear and effective exchange of information among team members to enhance collaboration, safety, and productivity. Written communication involves the proper use of documentation, emails, reports, and other written formats that provide clarity and serve as a record of information and decisions. Direct communication pertains to face-to-face interactions, ensuring that messages are conveyed succinctly and effectively, fostering openness and immediacy in discussions. Indirect communication may also be significant, particularly in understanding non-verbal cues and implied messages, which can often be as important as direct statements in a team setting. Brainstorming, while a valuable technique for generating ideas and solutions, is more about a specific process or group dynamic rather than a fundamental communication skill. It represents a method of collaboration rather than a means of conveying information. Thus, it stands out as not being a core communication skill but rather a strategy that can be employed once effective communication practices are already established. This distinction reinforces the essential skills needed for team effectiveness in a structured environment like manufacturing.