Time for the latest chapter in our A-Z of fleet management, which is dedicated to the letter “P”. Fleet managers should not only rock at the art of planning, as we suggest in our title, but rather they should be both its master and of the tools that make it possible—so what exactly makes an accomplished planner?
Some of the traits of great planners could (or at least should!) just as easily apply to those that make for a great fleet manager:
- Fleet managers and fantastic planners are big thinkers, but are able to break down the big picture into small steps.
- Fleet managers and fantastic planners are pragmatic—they look at the practical side of things.
- Fleet managers and fantastic planners have vision—they can see past the immediate needs and predict future outcomes.
What else do stellar planners and fleet managers share in terms of skills?
#1 – Provide structure. Separating a project or something as complicated as the entire fleet operation into different tasks to be assigned to the human resources available in order to meet deadlines while keeping everything on track ... need we say more?
#2 –Work well under pressure but don’t leave everything to the last minute or to chance. The sensible strategy is generally not waiting for deadlines in order to take action. According to Murphy’s law, if anything can go wrong, it will, but an operation can still be managed efficiently and consistently so that when the unpredictable crops up it can be dealt with effectively.
#3 –Operating in the now but also in the then, concurrently. In other words, planning for things and envisioning long term objectives while at the same time also tackling things in the short term and whatever emergencies may arise.
#4 –Never work alone. Great team players that use the valuable feedback of their peers or co-workers to meet challenges and utilise the tools they are given in the best possible way.
#5 – Always have a plan B. There is never a plan B created on the spot in urgent cases, but plan B is still part of the general process, along with C, D and even E in some cases.
#6 – Plan A is never irreplaceable. Good planners are open-minded and flexible, too. No plans are set in stone just because the fleet manager thought it up; it is sometimes necessary to revise ideas and change strategy on the hoof, if it means a better outcome for the fleet.
#7 – Last but not least. Utilise the best-in-class technology to realise goals. This means keeping an eye on any aspect at any time. And enjoying the benefits a great fleet management solution can bring...
Superstar planners, if you identify with #1 through to #6, then we are waiting to hear from you! Contact us to learn how we can make you invincible...
