Michelle Formanczyk is the owner of Slingshot Designs and serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Lean Consortium as Director of Outreach. She’s a certified VoicePrint practitioner and seasoned consultant with deep expertise in continuous improvement, leadership development, and communication strategy. Today, she joins us to share how VoicePrint brings empathy back to leadership—transforming how teams connect, collaborate, and thrive.”


Key Takeaways

VoicePrint is a communication tool identifying 9 "voices" people use, grouped into exploring, positioning, and controlling clusters
VoicePrint helps leaders understand their communication patterns and impact, improving team dynamics and leadership effectiveness
Combining VoicePrint with lean practices like Kata could enhance leadership development and coaching
Michelle advocates for connecting lean thinkers in Michigan through her work with the Michigan Lean Consortium

Topics
Michelle's Background and Career Path

Grew up in northern Michigan, started career at Chrysler Tech Center
Progressed through roles in industry to global consulting
Now focused on connecting lean and scientific thinkers in Michigan
Involved with Michigan Lean Consortium, recently joined board

VoicePrint Overview

Developed by psychologist Alan Robertson of TalkWise company
Identifies 9 voices grouped into exploring, positioning, and controlling clusters
Includes self-assessment and 360-degree feedback components
Helps individuals understand how they communicate and are perceived by others
Can be applied in various contexts - leadership, teams, personal development

VoicePrint Application in Leadership and Teams

Helps leaders understand their communication patterns under normal and pressure situations
Identifies gaps between intended and actual communication styles
Improves team dynamics by creating awareness of different communication styles
Particularly useful for transitions (e.g. frontline to supervisor, supervisor to manager)
Can be applied across industries and leadership styles

Connecting VoicePrint to Lean Practices

Potential to combine VoicePrint with Kata coaching for leadership development
Could enhance leader's ability to ask effective questions and pivot conversations
Aligns with lean focus on effective communication and continuous improvement

Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) Initiatives

Working to connect Michigan's lean community and resources better
Exploring a stronger relationship with the University of Michigan
Annual conference upcoming, open to attendees outside Michigan

Next Steps

Explore potential integration of VoicePrint with Kata and other lean practices
Consider attending the Michigan Lean Consortium annual conference
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn for further discussion on VoicePrint and lean leadership

 

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