Great Driver/Bad Employee

In my travels and interactions with tow companies throughout the states, I’ve observed the actions of driver employees as they respond to their jobs and day-to-day issues. Is it possible that questionable personalities or behaviors are simply a matter of miscommunication between owners and their employees?

How do you (as owner) accept their abilities, personalities, behaviors and mental traits with enough decorum to keep from being overbearing and disrespectful? Can you overlook their downfalls, yet increase their skills by overlooking their weaknesses when it comes to being the best employee possible? Is it possible that some employees can’t comprehend simple issues of on-time arrival, hygiene, attention to detail, neatness, reliability, honesty and truthfulness? Where do you draw the line?I once hired an individual who was known as a great heavy-tow operator. His references all had the same things to say about him … that he could really do the job. But each manager or owner I confided with further described his downfalls when it came to being a good employee.So, being victim of that ever-pressing “I need a driver now syndrome,” I took my chances and hired him into the company offering above-average wages with benefits. A week later, my high hopes for him came crashing down and reminded me of the blithering idiot I am today.Great drivers come in varied complex personalities, behaviors and packages, yet some not without their own pitfalls. I do recognize that some are incredible assets in today’s companies (and perhaps many were abused by owners and managers). It’s been my life-long journey to try and figure out a way to create the best employee possible without resorting to idle threats, disrespect and confusion. Some aren’t capable of the small day-to-day requirements … can you live with that?On behalf of tow owners everywhere, it’s really the employee’s responsibility to be the best employee possible. Regardless as to what the boss’ personality is, working for someone is a process that requires tact, respect and responsibility. The employee should have some level of correctness, credibility, honestly, and ultimately, bring some level of job experience to the table. There shouldn’t be hair-pulling and eye-gouging every step of the way.Some employees are naturally great at what they do. Owners … take heed that when you’ve got a great employee who represents you and your company in the best interests possible, protect them by offering decent wages and benefits. When they’re paid crap wages and treated with disrespect … you’ll have only yourself to blame when they head to your competitor’s door looking for a better environment.I’ve always felt it’s a fine line between a great driver and bad employee. If you’re perplexed with their ongoing performances, perhaps having that proverbial “come-to-Jesus” meeting is in order.