Battling the Winter Weather: How to keep your Communication from Freezing Over.
Winter is here, and so are the challenges that come with it. As a leader in winter operations, you know that this season can be one of the most demanding times of the year. But how do you keep your communications from freezing over during busy, stressful times?
Let’s set the stage: Joe is the night supervisor for a winter operations crew. He just finished a crazy shift, staff called in sick, black ice and cars in the ditch everywhere. He arrives home, after his shift, at 7 am. He finds his wife Judy, who has had a rough morning already, with a two-year-old who is teething. He opens the door and she practically throws him the baby and says she is going back to bed. He loses it and they start to argue, then his work phone rings – Judy starts to cry… That is quite the story, but I bet there are a few of us who can relate.
Here are some tips to help you keep your communications flowing, both at home and at work, during these challenging times:
1. Plan and Organize: Although winter starts in November, the planning starts long before that. Look at what resources you have, what resources you need, and who is going to be assigned to each of the tasks that need to be completed prior to the first snowflake appearing.
In Joe and Judy’s case, we might start looking for some extra support for Judy while Joe is on nights.
2. Pre-Winter Meeting: Schedule a pre-winter meeting to discuss topics such as scheduling, routes, material usage, call-ins, regulatory requirements, and documentation. This way, the team is on the same page, and everyone is working from the same playbook. Train on different scenarios and make sure everyone knows their role.
3. Over-Communicate: During busy, stressful times, it’s essential to take the time to over-communicate. Make sure everyone knows what’s going on, what’s expected of them, and what they can expect from others. Use multiple channels of communication, such as email, text, phone, and in-person meetings, to ensure that everyone is informed.
4. Stay Positive: It’s easy to get bogged down during the winter season, but it’s important to stay positive. Celebrate small victories, recognize team members who go above and beyond, and keep morale high. A positive attitude can go a long way in keeping your team motivated and engaged.
By following these tips, you can keep your communications from freezing over during the winter season and beyond. Remember, these don’t just work for Joe at the public works yard - but also at home as well! Stay warm and stay connected
