Frank is the production manager at a clothing manufacturer.  Business has been stable overall with some peaks and valleys forcing him to spend much of his time managing personnel changes during those lulls and peaks.  He is often pulled into customer quality meetings and spends a lot of time fixing problems.  He does not spend much time with any of his employees one-on-one but makes it clear each week what their output goals are.  Frank’s employees are not happy with him.  They feel that he is overwhelmed, and that they have ideas to make improvements but no voice in making them a reality.  Recently one of his best employees put in his resignation.  During his exit interview with human resources, the employee expressed this concern the employees have with Frank.  The Human resource Manager recently shared this information with Frank.

• What should Frank do first?  
• What efforts should he make to improve communication?  
• What are some advantages Frank and the company can realize if Frank makes a real improvement in his communication with employees?