Why we need feedback

Why We Need Feedback?

 My children use Instagram and Facebook way too much at times ultimately like many of us when they post an image they are after  feedback this comes in the form of ‘likes’. Our colleagues know that feedback is important for all of us to develop and change. It makes me smile when I look at how I used to get feedback and data. I would head to the library then go to the index wall then off to the area of the library to find the book I was looking for and finally locate the book.  Wow, look how things have changed Google, Youtube and Facebook rule the world.

For those of you too young to remember this was how we researched:

Now we can get instant answers and solutions, as soon as I need any feedback and answers or solutions I reach for my tablet and start hitting the keypad. This normally ends in success and I get instant results. Colleagues are no different, we all want and like to receive feedback. This can come in the form of a simple thank you; all the way to an end of year  development review.

Let's go for quick feedback and recognition, let's keep the momentum going and develop our colleagues and embracing the benefits of a  modern society and positive culture.

Growth is Good

The current focus on Brexit has created a huge talking point for all of us and the end is nearly in sight, one way or another a resolution will finally be accomplished. Economically, we are currently still showing a small amount of growth along with a low inflation rate.
As a business, we need to reflect this positive outcome but also bare in mind that we need to consistently strive for progress. One of the ways we will achieve this is by expanding our business. With this in mind, we need to be proactive rather than reactive. Opportunities exist, we just need to be ahead of the game and take the upper hand when we see inspiring ideas.

   This could be:

•  land for sale for a housing development
• A large music or social event
• Working with stakeholders, large local employers
• The stops on a route which are constantly the most productive

The best ideas come from front-line colleagues, who know the routes and areas inside out. They also may live locally so they will know where the new opportunities exist before others.

How would we capture this valuable information?

We have some great connections to feed the information to our support teams:

• Talk to your local schedules rep, they will regularly attend local commercial team meetings and
• Use 'Tap and Tell' via the connect app
• During canteen Question Time sessions feedback your growth ideas
• Speak to me as your employee director, I can take a suggestion forward
• Chat with your local operations manager.

The opportunities to grow our business exist. We can all play our part to make this happen.

On Friday 22nd Feb I will be in Basildon in the morning and Hadleigh in the afternoon.

Exercise for all

 

Whenever I need to reflect on life for 45 years I have biked in the outdoors. Living in the South East makes me smile,as we have sea and a capital city on our doorstep, as well as  the countryside,  all within a short distance.  Our lives are changing as technology advances, our lifestyles change at a speed that we struggle to keep up with.  For this reason, I  sometimes  need to step outside of the rat race and my bike riding helps me enjoy down-time. Nothing  beats the exhilaration of a muddy field or a rushing stream  on a summers day or even a frosty clear one.  I frequently, bike past colleagues on their bus routes. This gives a feel of community with work and rest time merged within one living space.

Whilst travelling  at St Pancreas I spotted The Peloton Bike company who have a pop-up    shop, they are advertising heavily on TV and Hollywood stars have signed up for a class in  their own homes (for the equivalent cost of a years Gym subscription).  There are many ways to strengthen your mind and refresh yourself for work.  What helps you? Maybe, look at the concept of virtual riding and does it have the same effect? I wonder one day in the not to distance future I will put on a virtual headset and cycle any where in the world.

I have set myself a few challenges this year. The first one will be via the Thames side path way which goes from Grays to Leigh on Sea  which is 37 miles. After that, I will complete the London to Southend 55 miles through beautiful countryside and finally I plan to cycle from Nottingham to  Southend via Cambridge over a 2 day trip ( if my wife lets me).

What goals will you set? What Challenge can you see yourself  attempting? Remember we only ever fail when we stop trying.

The 12 risks of xmas

Hi all,
         So much to do and so little time to do it! At this time of year everyone starts to take risks,  society goes into melt down and the risk factor of daily life can get overlooked.



As I am out and about, I am seeing people take risks that they probably wouldn't normally take. So far,  I have seen a parent and child rush across a busy road child in hand, hardly looking and with a pedestrian crossing only 30 m away.  In  most store  car parks I have taken to parking in the furthest corner possible, the blind reverses and broken wing mirrors are evidence of not taking care  or attention. Stop junctions have become  a law onto themselves, some drivers aren't even stopping merely joining the traffic.

 What can we do to avoid these daily challenges:

• Take time out from situations, step back and reflect upon events going on around you
• Use Psychology  - The Tortoise and the Hare analogy is a good example of this-remind me who gets to the finish line first
• Self reflect, self reflect and self reflect some more -  Doing the right safe behavior impacts on yourself and others
• Keep your eyes moving at all times, be it in the street walking or while driving, be alert to the risk of danger and lower your risk by being the first to react.

Above all enjoy Christmas relax and recharge the batteries.

Hadleigh Community Event

On Sunday 2nd of December, I have organised a winter walk and litter pick at the local nature reserve. Once again, working with  local stakeholders and Castle Point Council.  'The Westwood' is

literally, just around the corner from the bus depot.  This event  involves us volunteering as a team and giving 90 minutes  of our time on a Sunday morning (or whatever time you can spare). Our objective is to aim to put something back into the community which we serve, whilst enjoying a pleasant mornings walk through the woods.  For example, if you walk home this way or have friends and family who live in the community.  Or you might want to help the wildlife.  Sometimes when you give a little, you get more back.

 

The last time we actioned this it created a feel good factor, we collected over 6 sacks of plastic, had a mild healthy workout and chatted to locals about what we were doing.

 

We will provide PPE, equipment and bin bags. Put the date in your diary 2nd December between 9.30 am and 11am.

You will definitely need to wear wellies or walking boots. please wrap up warm!

 If you have any questions please speak to me via normal channels.

 

 

 

On Friday morning, I will be in Chelmsford from 5.00AM for the morning run out , we are holding a breakfast briefing based upon 'Winter Preparation' join me for a coffee and mince pie or simply grab an orange juice.

How family impacts us all

Recently, I have been thinking about family and work. They go hand in hand and have many similarities and comparisons. We spend almost an equal time at work, as we do with our own families. We give 100 % at home and we give an equal amount at work. I enjoy spending time with my family and in a similar measure I enjoy spending time with colleagues at work, chatting about the day or  relevant topics.

Ultimately


Our family is the most important aspect, we work for our family but equally work must protect us both financially and physically. One of my colleagues has a saying 'nobody gets injured on my watch'. I love this, he will do his upmost to make sure that all of his colleagues go home safe at the end of the day, back to their families.  For me this is 'making safety a personal core value', this comes from within, a desire to be 'supportive of each other'.
You are part of the team, it's a family. Remember throughout all of the dramas your team is there for you and you need to be there for them. You may work alone at times but without the wider team around you nothing can be achieved.
Think about how you treat others at work, do you treat them like a member of your family?

Autumn is here

Be Safe in Different Weather Conditions

Over the last week, it seems summer is finally fading, the temperature has dropped and the nights are starting to draw in.

 So it's hugely important that we use our skills, judgment and experience, as well as training to make sure we keep ourselves, our teams and others safe.

Other drivers may not be as well trained, courteous, or as sensible as you are!

 Autumn Leaves

 

When working around the depot, wet leaves can be as slippery as black ice.  The leaves may also cover road markings and traffic lines.

 

 

 
At this time of year the sun is rising and setting during later mornings with earlier evenings causing extra sun glare on wet roads. This can sometimes be temporary time blinding when you are driving.

 

 

 Key point:

Pay attention to traffic slowing down and don’t forget your sunglasses.

 

Finally when the weather finally deteriorates:

 

 

•  Frost can be a concern on the roads as well as your windshields.

• Take a few extra minutes to clear your windshield before heading out on the road.

• Also, watch for those bridges and overpasses; they may have ice accumulating on them already.

• Slow down when driving in foggy conditions. Do not use high beams as they will reflect back at you making driving even more difficult.

• Use your low beams and/or fog lights when required.