My Fleet is Better than Your Fleet
February 5, 2009
Okay… so I don’t have a fleet… unless you consider my two vehicles, bike, and a really old push mower a fleet. Some of you smaller municipalities are probably thinking my “fleet” sounds a lot like your fleet.
Also, to be honest, my “fleet” is not better than your fleet, because it is poorly managed. I haven’t rotated the tires on my bike in ages, the mower is underutilized (thanks to a gardener with very aggressive rates), my truck is the antithesis of green, and personal use abuses and accidents have put me over budget. The abuser is very attractive and there are some vows involved, so I haven’t run an MVR… yet.
But if I did have a real fleet, I know the type of fleet manager I would want managing it. This became very clear as I went down to Tampa for the January Government Fleet/100 Best Fleets Regional Seminar. It was hosted by our recently crowned #1 Fleet: The Hillsborough County Fleet Management Department. The judges got it right… and I mean really got it right. Sharon Subadan and her team are as impressive as it gets. Their innovation, organization and leadership are immediately apparent whether you are talking to an analyst, a technician or their leader. I use
the word leader with intent as Sharon exudes leadership, not management, power, or control, but leadership.
Getting back to the point… while listening to the 60-plus attendees share their biggest challenges, discuss solutions, and network with each other, I noticed two distinct groups of fleet managers. Group one was constantly using the words “can’t” or “impossible” and phrases such as, “That is not my responsibility” or “I don’t have the power to make that happen.” Group two was using words like “innovation” or “new” and phrases such as, “We took a chance” or “We made it happen.”
In looking back, I don’t think either group realized there was a huge chasm in the room. I don’t believe each fleet manager even realized they had a very obvious attitude toward the challenges (or opportunities as group two might call them) they face. These attitudes have become second nature and a part of how they manage their fleet. With that in mind, the solutions each group will develop are going to be vastly different, because they face and confront the challenges from vastly different viewpoints.
As an independent critic (and a taxpayer), I can confidently state the attitudes and strategies employed by the managers in group two are better. Not just better, but much better! The results prove it. Sharon's fleet is just one example of what can be accomplished if you move beyond a complacent mindset. You, too, can receive a 98 percent customer satisfaction rating, while at the same time reducing your fleet size by 13 percent. She will tell you that it wasn't easy and that one the main keys is conveying a sense of urgency.
So, which group are you in? Have you done an introspective audit recently to see if you have become jaded by past experiences, lack of motivation, looming retirement, or just plain laziness (See video above)?
For those of you in group two, what helps you overcome a “can’t do” attitude and accomplish the “impossible?” Is there a magic yoga class, supplement, or book that helps? Were you just born that way? Are you all just annoying morning people with way too much energy? Or can the rest of us get to where you are?
As we look toward the rest of 2009, we all need to strive to run a better fleet (I might mow the lawn once this month, so I don't feel like such a hypocrite). That starts with you striving to be a better fleet manager/leader. Who knows, maybe someday you can even attain the high job of managing my “fleet."
Share your thoughts below and set me straight.