1) A fleet manager is always learning
By attending seminars, taking courses and discovering new technologies, a superstar fleet manager keeps abreast of the latest developments in their fast changing domain. Being aware of emerging developments and trends helps prepare your vehicle management strategies with 1, 3 and 5-year life cycles in mind.
2) A fleet manager is also a businessperson
Fleet operations are a part of the overall corporate mission and a fleet manager has intimate knowledge about the company's products, financial targets and marketing goals. Even if they don't need to call upon them in every day situations, the fleet manager knows what every one else’s management responsibilities are and where they intersect. All is done with the companies best interests at heart.
3) A fleet manager is a people person
Not only vehicles, a fleet is the people within it. The superstar fleet manager is there for the drivers, service staff and support staff as well as for senior management. The fleet manager is there to lend an ear, resolve issues and communicate with everybody involved in the operation. The fleet manager will also need to sell their colleagues on the benefits of change through adopting new practices and innovations.
4) A fleet manager is a custodian
Whilst being a technical maestro for vehicles is a great characteristic, a good understanding of the wider technicalities the fleet operates in is essential. Not just the common maintenance and performance issues of the fleet but also matters relating to safety, excise duties on fuel, taxation and insurance, life cycles, emissions, fuel performance enhancements, ergonomics, materials, the environment and improvements in efficiency.
5) A fleet manager is a good communicator
Your area of expertise is critical to the companies success. If you'll pardon the pun, far from tooting your own horn, good reporting and analysis is a keystone to that success. Armed with a clearly understood and well presented set of data, senior management can review and make a quick decision about business strategy. The data is there to help back up your gut instincts about risks or opportunities.
