• 5 tips for making a good partnership

    The key element of a successful partnership is trust.
    Feb. 13, 2018
    2 min read
    12 A better business relationshipnbspWith all the FMS options a fleet has MiX Telematics39 Allen says the ongoing service relationship with the fleet is a reason you shouldn39t be using the same old telematics box He contends many fleets use maybe 1015 of their FMS39s potential noting that MiX continually analyzes customer needs and looks for ways it can improve their particular businessesnbspFurther quotwe believe we should be doing proactive device help like lookin

    It is getting harder to navigate the trucking industry landscape alone, given the influx of disruptive technologies and changes to traditional business models. Things such as autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, blockchain, last mile delivery, the uberization of freight, etc. are bombarding us and we struggle to keep up with developments in areas that could have significant impact on our businesses.

    Now more than ever partnering with the right people is critically important. The right partner can help you navigate the rapidly changing landscape so that you can maintain profitability as the industry undergoes some significant upheavals.

    But how do you choose the right partner? Thomas Nestor, founder of Leadership Today, a company specializing in creating learning and development for leaders and organization, had some insights into that subject when he spoke during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week.

    The key element of a successful partnership, according to Nestor, is trust. Trust is something that can only occur when both parties are open and honest with each other. Transparency and visibility are essential elements in the trust building process.

    Nestor had some practical tips for making a good partnership.

    1. Talk straight: Your partner should be clear and direct in the language they use when communicating with you. You want the steak here, not the sizzle.
    2. Right wrongs: When your partner makes a mistake, they need to admit it and make things better. If they’ve been a good partner, you should not let one mistake destroy the relationship.
    3. Deliver results: Your partner should do what they told you they would do.
    4. Clarify expectations and verify: Make sure your partner understands what you expect from them and periodically let them know if those expectations are being met and where they need to make improvements.
    5. Keep commitments: These commitments could be around fill rates, service turnaround time, or any other issues that are important to you.

    However, you also have to remember that partnerships are two-way streets. Just as you have expectations of your partner, your partner has expectations of you. Ask yourself if you are living up to the same five things you require from your partner? If not, then you need to make some changes so you can become a better partner.

    About the Author

    Jane Clark

    Senior VP of Operations

    Jane Clark is the senior vice president of operations for NationaLease. Prior to joining NationaLease, Jane served as the area vice president for Randstad, one of the nation’s largest recruitment agencies, and before that, she served in management posts with QPS Companies, Pro Staff, and Manpower, Inc.

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