John Paglia, III
How can driver coaching fit everybody?
Driver coaching should be something every organization uses every day. Factors differ all around the country, sometimes making coaching a challenge. Weather, traffic, obstacles on route and types of road surfaces, are a few examples than can determine how the coach should instruct. Anyone who played sports can go back to their roots and remember when they were once a coach or were coached. As a coach, it is important to know every one of your player’s strengths and weaknesses. It is the coach’s job to best set the team for success. The same can be said about a manager. The safest companies in the industry are guaranteed to have someone coaching the drivers on a day-to-day basis.
Coaching can take many forms. Let’s use the weather as an example. Rain in the south, snow in the north and extreme heat of the west can make for challenges relating to safety. It’s fair to say all route drivers work like clockwork. They have that set time in their heads when they should be done. It is our job to remind them that when an outside element presents itself, like bad weather, they need to adjust with a positive attitude. Simple calls from dispatch letting drivers know weather may be bad by the afternoon can prevent accidents and injuries. It also shows that your company cares about them personally, that they are not there just to collect a paycheck. Adjusting routes if possible around bad weather is not a bad idea either. Bringing in some extra manpower in order to get the routes collected may be well worth the extra money spent on the labor and truck cost. No one wants an accident (s) on his or her watch.
Communication is key. Giving employees an exact criteria to follow may seem strict at first glance, but pays dividends in the long run. Coaching starts with initial training. It is important that you coach from day one of the hiring process. Letting a new employee know what is and will be expected from him is most important. Although it may seem like a shock to them, they will see how safety truly is an everyday matter. Everything we do in our industry is tied to safety.
Warm greetings in the morning, a handshake or even a simple pat on the back are all important gestures to start your employee’s days off in the right direction. If they see management is there for them in the morning, they feel supported. Human nature clings to leadership. Everyone wants to be a part of something successful. No matter how long the chain of your company is, every link is important. Don’t be afraid to reward extra efforts. When you have your employees working to better themselves, which then in turn betters the company, you’re obviously coaching correctly. One bad apple can spoil the tree. It is important to remember to hold a hard line to the culture you want from your employees.
No one wants to play for a bad coach or a bad team. When your employees all work together for the greater cause that is truly rewarding. When everyone’s attitudes are positive, safety records are impeccable. Get to know your fellow employees/managers. Get to know their hobbies and interest. Finally, get to know your team and the members. Don’t just hire someone to fill a position. Adding someone with different traits or skills diversifies your company. The best teams are those made up of a mixture between rookies and veterans. Remember we can always learn from each other.
John Paglia III is a 4th generation garbage man. Before he climbed the ranks to become Florida Express Environmental’s General Manager, he had a successful career in college and professional athletics. John has been around the garbage industry since his car seat days. Currently, John is focused on growing his company and offering the highest level of customer service and prolonging the world we live in today. John wakes up every day knowing the impact professional haulers have on their community is far greater than most realize. He can be reached at (352) 629-4349, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.floridaexpress.us.
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