That time of year when the school year starts is finally here!
It is quite profound how much this effects the role of a driver. Some of us enjoy these busier periods and thrive on the 'buzz'; responding to the challenge and taking pride in being able to deliver a service in these conditions. Other colleagues may need some advice and support especially if they are new to the role of a driver.
1. Prevention is better than cure. Avoiding unnecessary aggravation will
minimize your stress.
2. Acting in a confident
manner is important. Confident people act in an assured assertive manner.
3. Avoid provocative gestures such as pointing.
4. Try to minimize the ‘audience
effect’, especially with young males, the whole idea of ‘saving face’ and ‘losing
face’, which makes resolving a conflict much harder.
5. Try to be aware of warning
signs and think ahead.
6. Try to make your behaviour
proportionate to the provocation. If we ‘strongly react’ at the least sign of
unruliness how are we going to signify that things have really ‘got out of order’?
7. Let management and
colleagues know of any persistent problems on a route or trouble you think is
brewing.
8. Be ‘professional’ rather
than ‘official’.My youngest is changing schools and he probably won't be too sure about the routes and timetables at first. For many year 7's this could be their first time on a bus. let's show patience, if we do it right we may get a customer for life!
Secondly ,prepare mentally for the increase in traffic. If you do end up behind your time, don't rush to try to make the time up. Remember to think about the most valuable cargo, your passengers. 'Get the bigger picture' it's more important to get everybody from A to B safely, than to take a risk and save a few seconds.
Have a great week everyone
