TWI JR (Job Relations) is one of the most powerful yet often underestimated elements of leadership development in Lean organizations. For years, companies have focused on communication techniques: how to deliver messages, how to present information, which words to use, or how to strengthen visuals. But practice shows that even the best-designed communication fails if one key element is missing – trust-based relationships with employees.
This is exactly where TWI Job Relations comes in. The program teaches leaders how to systematically build trust, handle problems fairly, and engage their teams. Without these skills, communication risks becoming one-directional and losing its true value.
Why communication needs TWI JR
Many organizations invest in new communication channels, reporting systems, and leadership training. Still, employees often feel disconnected, and messages don’t land as intended. The reason is simple: communication without relationships is fragile.
TWI JR addresses this challenge directly. It equips supervisors and managers with a structured method to:
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recognize people’s needs,
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respond to issues constructively,
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maintain fairness and consistency in decisions,
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build a culture where employees feel safe to share feedback.
When leaders apply TWI JR, communication is no longer just about sending information – it becomes about building trust and commitment.
Building relationships with employees – the Lean perspective
If we want communication to work, we need to start with trust and partnership. Building relationships with employees is not about forced gestures or artificial meetings but about genuine interest in people, their perspectives, and their needs.
In Lean, we often repeat that “There is no Lean without TWI.” Especially relevant here is the program TWI Job Relations (JR), which develops leaders’ skills in building engaged teams through strong relationships.
TWI JR teaches leaders how to:
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notice the needs of people,
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respond to problems constructively,
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hold conversations that strengthen rather than weaken trust,
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create an environment where employees feel part of a common purpose.
TWI JR in practice
Imagine a company introducing daily management meetings, digital dashboards, and visual boards. Everything looks perfect on paper. Yet employees don’t share problems, and some even ignore the new tools.
Why? Because trust is missing. Workers may fear that reporting issues will be seen as mistakes.
By applying TWI Job Relations, leaders learn how to prevent such situations. Through fair treatment, consistent handling of concerns, and showing genuine interest in employees’ work, leaders create a climate where people feel respected – and only then do communication tools start to deliver real value.
How TWI JR strengthens relationships
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Be consistent and fair – employees quickly notice when similar cases are handled differently.
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Listen before you act – active listening builds trust and helps resolve issues at the root.
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Handle problems promptly – delayed action erodes credibility.
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Give credit where it’s due – recognition motivates and strengthens team spirit.
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Apply the four-step method of TWI JR – a proven approach for building relationships that support Lean transformation.
Conclusion
TWI JR is much more than a training module – it is the backbone of effective communication and leadership in Lean organizations. Without Job Relations, even the best communication strategies or tools will fall short.
If you want communication in your organization to truly work, start by investing in TWI JR – because relationships always come first.
Learn more about Training Within Industry
Training Within Industry and Lean Management Practitioner.
He is a lecturer at the WSB University in Wrocław. He is the author and co-author of several pieces of literature on the TWI program.
He is a managing partner in the LeanTrix company and a master Trainer for Europe. Additionally, he is involved in projects such as eTWI System and Lean Community
He has run projects for: Lotte Wedel, Danone, Kompania Piwowarska, eobuwie.pl, Arvato, Whirlpool, B / S / H, Geberit, RECARO, Tenneco, Sumitomo Electric, Stadler, Vesuvius Poland
