Managing Assets, Leading People
As I meet with utility fleet managers, a common thread keeps emerging from our conversations – that highly effective fleet professionals are also great leaders.
This is because the job is about more than managing assets; you also have to work with people to get things done.
Take telematics, for instance. From strictly an asset management perspective, telematics can be a powerful tool to reduce fuel costs by tracking driver performance. But if drivers perceive the technology as Big Brother to catch them doing something wrong, this negatively impacts their morale and productivity. So, how do you manage a telematics deployment in such a way that operators become more receptive to the technology?
That takes listening to drivers, understanding their concerns and building consensus among all stakeholders. That’s leadership.
Anytime there’s change – whether it’s a new technology, new safety policy or new rightsizing initiative – employees will naturally be concerned about the impact on their jobs. They’re looking for a fleet manager who will be candid, yet understanding, and walk them through what to expect.
In short, they’re looking for a leader.
And that’s why we’ve included leadership seminars at our Utility Fleet Conference, a new three-day educational program that will take place September 28-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Highlights include “Awakening the Leader in You” led by Bob McCall, general manager of fleet services for Duke Energy, and “Expanding Your Influence: How to Garner Senior Management Support for Fleet” led by Matt Gilliland, fleet services manager for Nebraska Public Power District.
UFC seminars like these are designed to equip you to grow as a leader so you can get big things done in your fleet – and become indispensable to your organization.
To get more details on the educational agenda and reserve your seat, visit the UFC website at www.utilityfleetprofessional.com/conference.
Thank you for the privilege to serve you. We look forward to seeing you at UFC!
Sean M. Lyden
Editor
