NAVIGATING THE FUTURE : A GUIDE TO CREATING A FLEET MANAGER SUCCESSION PLAN
WORDS BY SUE MILLER
Here ’ s to a happy new year ! 2023 ended with a bang , unfortunately not the happy type . My older brother and last living brother passed away . It was unexpected and took us all by surprise . He was a widower for several years and lived alone , as I have and do now . Having multiple states between us , we talked weekly . Sometimes for hours . He was the unofficial family historian and would share wonderful stories . There was no warning as to what was to come .
Due to his decades long career in insurance and investments , he often counseled me on life matters , one topic being end of life preparedness particularly due to his experience with the passing of his wife , as well as those of his past clients . Always being the sassy little sister , when I would lovingly challenge him about HIS preparedness , he would assure me and his only daughter that his end of life paperwork was in order . We accepted that on face value and went about living day to day , until THAT day .
Long story short , his end of life paperwork was in order , just not readily available when it was critically needed and prolonged an already very emotional and difficult situation .
So why am I being so personal in a prominent industry magazine like Automotive Fleet ? Work has always been a strong catharsis for me and a love of the fleet industry runs deep in my veins . I started catching up on my reading and came across Chris Brown ’ s November 2 article Do You Have a Fleet Manager Succession plan , and then watched his November 20 interview with Debbie Struna on Insights into Fleet Manager Succession Planning . Plus for several weeks in a row , Mauricio Berber of Predictive Coach was airing 1-2 minute clips in Linkedin of a discussion he and I had early 4Q that he labeled
#
itsmillertimeseries on the topic of navigating driver safety and litigation issues .
It was a clear push to take action . With the impact of my brother ’ s situation still so fresh , I felt compelled to research and lay out a blueprint for fleet managers to help build , or consider their succession plan . Especially for those small business owners that wear multiple hats in their company .
Succession planning is often underestimated , especially in the context of fleet management . Fleet Managers and businesses alike need to recognise that the absence of a well-thoughtout plan can lead to operational disruptions , loss of institutional knowledge , and challenges in maintaining crucial relationships within the business and the industry . For fleet managers themselves , having a succession plan in place is a strategic move that not only ensures the continuity of the business but also enhances their own career prospects .
Identifying Key Elements of a Fleet Manager Succession Plan
Documenting Policies , Processes and Responsibilities
The foundation of a successful succession plan lies in documenting all policies , key processes and responsibilities of themselves and their team if applicable . Fleet managers should have comprehensive manuals , task lists , and standard operating procedures ( SOPs ) that outline the essential elements of their role . This documentation becomes a crucial guide for the designated successor , ensuring a smooth transition .
Building a Talent Pipeline Succession planning involves identifying and
8 ISSUE 45 FEBRUARY 2024 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU