For decades, the academic field of management has focused on the concept of efficiency. Fortunately, the result of all the studies, tests, surveys, and real-world experiments led to a lot of useful information for people who own and operate businesses. One of the most productive outcomes of academic research is the discovery not only of what works but what doesn’t. Identifying best practices is one thing, but learning about inefficient ones can be just as helpful for on-the-ground management teams.
While there are hundreds of verifiable behaviors, habits, and tendencies that can get a supervisor or team leader into a nonproductive rut, several things are so common that they seem to appear in dozens of industries and niches across the broad spectrum of commercial activity. For companies that operate vehicle fleets, for instance, dangerous driving practices are the number one offender. Other practices that can lead to lost profits and low growth include poor time management skills on the part of any employee, lax IT security throughout a company, irregular or nonexistent safety reviews, ineffective inventory oversight, and more. The following points offer pertinent details about some of the most egregious destroyers of profits.
Vehicle Fleet Drivers Who Tailgate
Fleet supervisors routinely mention tailgating as being the most dangerous of all driver practices, not just because it’s so common but also due to its potential for huge financial losses and physical danger. It’s a fact that following too closely, which is the definition of tailgating, is the top reason for rear-end vehicle crashes in the United States. What’s the solution to this all-too-common problem? For starters, fleet managers can find out how to effectively coach and advise on-the-road drivers so that they keep enough distance between their trucks and vehicles in front of them. Another component of the answer to the dilemma includes dash cams equipped with AI technology so they can inform drivers immediately whenever they’re tailgating. Cams and coaching are two of the best ways to prevent crashes and keep everyone safer.
Lax IT Security Measures
Weak IT security opens entities up to ransomware attacks and dozens of other technology-based intrusions. Unfortunately, far too many small companies believe themselves to be immune to this widespread problem. But hackers and other nefarious cyber criminals are apt to focus on startups, new businesses, and smaller organizations for that very reason. For most companies, the solution is to outsource IT security or hire at least one in-house expert who can deter attacks and secure all the organization’s information.
Poor Time Management
It’s safe to say that the majority of working people could use a few tips on improving their time management skills. Some corporations require all new hires to take extensive online or in-person classes on the subject. Fortunately, anyone can learn to budget their time wisely, but it takes dedication and effort to make a habit out of the techniques. Once you get the hang of being a good task master you can find a way to destress a little since you will likely feel less suffocated with projects and looming deadlines.
Irregular Safety Reviews
Maintaining a safe workplace is one of the most cost-conscious moves a management team can make. The unfortunate news is that most don’t take the action needed to achieve that goal. The good news is that the remedy is a simple one: having at least two annual safety reviews performed by independent evaluators.
