In my last editorial, I focused on change. One of the top ways to cope with change is to become adept at professional growth and adapt to the non-stop changes our world and industry face.

It’s easy to say you are open to change. At face value, most people understand the concept of not “resting on your laurels,” but do you know how to make this happen? How do you become more adaptable as a work truck or van fleet manager?

One Step at a Time

You are still reading because you want to be better at change. Before you read further, take a close look at why you may resist change in the first place. Are you afraid to lose control? Are you worried that everything is changing at once? Are you concerned that the change will result in more work? Take a look at these concerns and open your mind to the possibility.

First, I think it’s essential to start with the right mindset. Change can be challenging and time-consuming, and let’s be honest, it doesn’t always work out for the best. But, often, change is for the better.

To have a “personal and professional growth mindset,” it’s important to follow these steps:

1. Embrace change – don’t fight it.

2. When you hear, “but it’s always been done that way,” don’t be afraid to ask, “why?”

3. Lean on others.

4. Incorporate tech.

5. Never stop learning.

Step 1: Embrace Change

It’s important to understand that change will happen and is an essential part of growth, both for a business and its employees.

Being positive, open-minded, and ready to embrace opportunities for change is key to a far more positive experience.

Step 2: Always Ask 'Why'?

Whether it’s a process that’s “been done that way for years” or a new idea someone wants to try, it’s always important to ask, “why?”

The lesson here is to know “why” something is done and “why” it still works, will work, or doesn’t anymore. The reason something was done last year may not have the same impact today. Or maybe it does.

Step 3: Lean on Others

While there are still many small fleets with one person handling it all, medium- and larger-sized fleets have staff to lean on. Whether a person is a fleet veteran or a newbie, there are always experiences to learn from. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice, or tips from those around you. The more we go remote, the easier it is to forget that you are likely not alone.

Step 4: Incorporate Tech

When I say tech, I mean ALL tech. From new technology for vehicles to technology for technicians to fully utilizing technology you already have (Microsoft Outlook Rules, anyone?) — don’t forget to keep an eye on tech.

Step 5: Never Step Learning

In an industry that is constantly changing with new technologies, regulations, and more, it’s important to keep learning. But it’s also important to take a moment and be honest with yourself about where you could potentially improve. People constantly upskilling themselves, learning new technology, or becoming experts on a specific topic are valuable employees to a company.

Make Change Routine

Simply going through the efforts to change your world will make an impact. Whether the change was something you could apply or whether it wasn’t, you likely learned something about yourself and your job as a fleet manager.

And now, when someone asks you why you’re doing something a certain way, you have a new answer. Instead of saying because “it’s always been done that way,” you can say, “because I ensured that this was the best option today.”

Did this help you out? Are you ready to make some changes today?

Please email me, let me know how things are going, and let’s chat!

Lauren Fletcher
Executive Editor
Lauren.Fletcher@bobit.com