Finding a way to say yes.
In the world of all that is consecrated in fleet management … (of course I mean the self help books and endless death by power point management seminars) we are taught to be the team leader, promote productivity and educate our departments on all the best practices.
So far so good.
But what about after the pageantry, when all the talk has run its course, when the best practices and benchmarks have been promoted to the highest members of management and nothing is left but the task at hand. During these times it is important for a fleet manager to remember that customers rely on results. We are well aware that simply knowing the right thing to do will not get it done but when faced with the task at hand it can be easy for a fleet manager to forget that this is not the time to make a point.
Breaking ranks with the established fleet management practices is part of the requirement of running a small fleet. No amount of long range planning, fleet cycling projections or budgeting prowess will put wind in the sails of a critical project. It is often the fleet management department that has to be the most flexible during these times. We have to find a way to say YES without compromising safety or budget restraints. Then when the job is complete we can incorporate the best practices into the project report and further our own agenda.

About the author
Gary Lykins

Gary Lykins

Fleet Manager

Gary Lykins serves as the fleet manager, shop supervisor, and lead mechanic for the Town of Jonesborough. Although he has 20 years of experience in various roles in the automotive and equipment industry, his tenure with the Town of Jonesborough has been the most challenging and fulfilling position of his career.

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