Coaching and mentoring are distinct approaches aimed at enhancing human performance. A mentor acts as a guide, sharing their experiences and expertise to facilitate the growth of another individual, such as mentoring a new driver as they familiarize themselves with the company’s culture and operations.
The mentor’s role involves a more directive approach, providing instructions and guidance.
A coach’s objective is to encourage self-reflection and assist individuals in unlocking their full potential. A skilled coach keenly observes individual performance and poses thought-provoking questions that prompt the individual to reflect upon their actions and the circumstances. This approach empowers a person to step back, find a solution independently, and apply it effectively in similar situations going forward.
In recent articles, we’ve examined how the legendary basketball coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success is directly applicable to driver coaching.
In this article, we explore how the principles of condition, skill, and team spirit can guide commercial truck drivers toward excellence in their profession.
Condition
Physical condition doesn’t tell the whole story. Wooden went much further and deeper, even to the point of describing “Condition” as a state of being.
“You must be in physical Condition, but you must also have mental and moral Condition. All three are components in this block of the Pyramid because you can’t have one without the others. Weak mental or moral Condition precludes top physical Condition. I reminded the players of their responsibility to achieve Condition with this little rhyme: ‘There is a choice you have to make, In everything you do. So keep in mind that in the end, The choice you make makes you.’ If you make the right choices, you will achieve Condition.
The necessity of having a good moral condition is not an immediately intuitive requirement for truck driving. After all, driving is a concrete pursuit. Yet Wooden knew that mind and body are linked, and that’s why this principle applies just as much to trucking as it does to basketball. This is the kind of unexpected and visionary approach that, if followed, may allow fleet managers to contribute to a signature company culture that will stand out to recruitment candidates.
What exactly does Wooden mean by being in good moral condition and how does it apply to trucking? The following paraphrases the elements that define good moral condition. Imagine a company culture that embraces these sub-principles versus one that does not, and Wooden’s wisdom becomes apparent.
Honesty and Truthfulness
At the core of good moral condition lies the principle of honesty and truthfulness. Being honest involves adhering to a set of ethical principles and displaying integrity in all aspects of life. It means being truthful in our words, actions, and interactions with others. Honesty is not only about refraining from lying but also about being transparent, sincere, and accountable for our choices and behaviors.
By embracing honesty, we build trust, maintain strong relationships, and cultivate a sense of authenticity throughout an organization. It removes feelings of fear and self-doubt which undermine even the most experienced drivers. A corporate culture built on honesty also permeates positively how your customers view your brand.
Compassion and Empathy
Compassion and empathy form another vital element of good moral condition. Demonstrating compassion means showing kindness, understanding, and concern for the well-being of others. It means putting ourselves in the shoes of others, acknowledging their struggles, and offering support and empathy without judgment.
Compassion and empathy foster a sense of connection throughout your organization. It cements the principles behind operating a team-driven culture. Drivers that feel their fleet and safety management teams genuinely care about them more than the bottom line are encouraged to work harder, be more attentive to coaching, and excel.
Respect and Fairness
Respect and fairness are integral components of good moral condition that guide our interactions with others. Respect involves recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or social standing. It encompasses treating others with courtesy, listening attentively to their perspectives, and valuing their opinions and contributions. This is especially useful when reviewing and discussing footage from driver dashcams.
Fairness entails impartiality and treating others justly. It means considering the needs and interests of all parties involved and making decisions that are unbiased and equitable.
Drivers that feel respected and that they are being treated fairly, are more likely to reward their organization with loyalty, a coveted asset during a period of driver shortages.
Responsibility and Accountability
Assuming responsibility for our actions and being accountable for their consequences is an essential element of good moral condition. Taking responsibility means acknowledging our mistakes, learning from them, and actively working towards making amends or rectifying the situation. It involves recognizing the impact of our choices on ourselves and others and taking ownership of our role in shaping our lives and the world around us.
These qualities also form the foundation of the much-discussed “culture of safety.” There is no need to pay lip service to having a “culture of safety” when responsibility and accountability organically results in your team members feeling responsible for each other, as well as accountable to each other and the whole.
Skill
At the very center of the Pyramid of Success is Skill. Wooden says, “You have to know your stuff and that includes a mastery of details. There’s craft and there’s skill, and they differ from each other. Craft is understanding the basics and being able to execute. Skill means one has obtained a level of mastery, which does not necessarily equate to experience. Mastery of the skills you need in your job requires learning and it is why leaders and those who are high achievers are lifelong learners. I had this motto tacked on my office wall for many years: “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”
This is true whether you’re an athlete, a surgeon, or a CEO. You’d better be able to execute properly and quickly and that requires skill. As much as Wooden valued experience, and he valued it greatly, he said he’d rather have a lot of skill and less experience that the other way around.
Skill is an ongoing and lifelong process. Skill improves with coaching.
Team Spirit
The topmost block of Wooden’s pyramid emphasizes the importance of team spirit. While commercial truck driving may appear to be a solitary profession, it is built on collaboration and effective teamwork up and down the entire supply chain.
Team spirit in truck driving involves fostering positive relationships with colleagues, dispatchers, mechanics, and support staff. By maintaining open lines of communication, offering assistance when needed, and showing respect and professionalism, truck drivers contribute to a supportive and efficient work environment.
Additionally, truck drivers often rely on the support and assistance of fellow drivers during challenging situations such as adverse weather conditions, unforeseen breakdowns, or the aftermath of a serious accident. Cultivating a sense of camaraderie within the industry fosters mutual support, creates a positive image for the profession, and strengthens the overall trucking community.
Wooden said, “This block of the Pyramid addresses a most important characteristic: selflessness which is the opposite of selfishness. I mean by this that you are eager to sacrifice personal glory or gain for the greater good, namely, the welfare and success of your organization, your team, your group. For me it meant I was constantly searching for that player who would make our team ‘great’ rather than a someone who was just a ‘great player’. There is a big difference and that difference is what constitutes Team Spirit. I did not want a person on our team who was reluctant to sacrifice for the good of the team. I prized the individual who was eager to sacrifice for our common good.”
Conclusion
By applying John Wooden’s principles of condition, skill, and team spirit, commercial trucking operations can further elevate performance and differentiate their brand within their field. Prioritizing physical and moral well-being, continuously refining their skills, and fostering a spirit of teamwork will not only enhance their individual success but also contribute to a safer and more efficient trucking industry.
Success in commercial trucking goes beyond simply getting from point A to point B. It lies in the ability to consistently deliver exceptional service, ensure safety, and build positive relationships within the industry. By embracing the principles outlined in John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, commercial trucking ensures its ongoing quest toward excellence.
