Ying Vs Yang
Ying or Yang Yin and Yang are ancient Chinese concepts that represent opposite yet complementary forces; here, I use them to describe contrasting management styles. Originating from Taoist philosophy, Yin (often associated with darkness, passivity, and introspection) and Yang (linked to light, activity, and outward expression) illustrate how two seemingly opposite energies can coexist and…
WHY Not us?
Throughout my consulting years, I have helped dozens of companies that were struggling with retention and profitability. I often ask a pivotal question during the process, especially in the context of the Carriers Edge “Best Fleets to Drive For” and TCA’s “Safest Fleets in North America” contests. What is it that distinguishes those fleets standing…
Culture, Your Company, and Turnover: A Few Hard Truths
People stay where they’re comfortable, and they leave where they’re not. In most industries, that statement has limits. Switching employers isn’t always easy, and options can be constrained by geography, skill set, or pay. Trucking is different. In today’s market, a competent driver with a clean record can generate multiple job offers within hours. That…
What is a Performance Coach, and Should You Have One?
In recent years, I’ve spent my time working alongside senior leadership in the truckload sector, helping them navigate the complex path toward their personal and corporate goals. Like all of you, I’ve had many mentors. Some were formal guides; others were people I simply “parroted” because I admired their character or business acumen. I still…
Ruts
I subscribe to several e-mail pundits concerning personal responsibility. From time to time, I usually pick a few new ones to replace ones I find myself ignoring. The following comes from Seth Godin. Seth is a very successful entrepreneur, best-selling author and speaker. Many of his insights are reveling, but this insight hits the mark…
“We have met the enemy, and he is us.”— Walt Kelly
Some will make the point that the history of driver training might be better articulated by someone who has spent their entire life in the training industry rather than me. I cannot claim to understand or recount all the subtle nuances that have shaped driver training into what it is today. That said, I can…
Wants Versus Needs
Need 1, what do I need if I’m a driver looking for a job? At a cursory overview, it’s not that complicated. First, I need to be satisfied that I will be paid a reasonable rate, either hourly or by the mile, percentage, whatever the method. A rate that will fulfill my cash flow needs…
It’s Time to Reveal the Ugly
Here’s a tip on retention, reveal the ugly. Before I get too far into the weeds in my reveal process, I observe that where driver turnover usually originates is an offshoot of some extenuating factors in the past. The company may have experienced rapid growth. The company might have been sold or amalgamated with another…
More ruminations: Are you a leader or a boss?
Over the last couple of years, I have talked to many trucking industry colleagues and have been fortunate enough to play a business coach’s role to a number of leaders. For me, and not to oversimplify the process, these folks all fall into one of two categories: bosses or leaders. Determining which is necessary as…
One thing every day
One of many thoughts rolling around in my skull these days is a lesson many of us hear in our younger years. “Two ears, one mouth,” or maybe this one — “You will never learn a thing with your mouth open.” Although I still cherish the sentiment, there are many times I have added value…
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