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Last week’s Young Bus Managers’ Network conference shows that there is still strong interest in the industry among the pool of people that will form its next generation of leaders.
It’s the same in coaches. Collectively, that will be demonstrated at next week’s routeone Awards ceremony. A new Rising Star category will make its debut this year, and it has attracted a slew of very worthy nominations.
But to attract – and no less importantly, to keep – the managers of tomorrow, you’ve got to treat them properly. If you don’t, their time with you will be brief. Opportunities are plenty for those with the right abilities and attitude.
In view of all that the industry has done to attract young talent in recent years – and some operators have excelled in that area – it was disheartening to speak to one 30-something manager recently. Rated highly and carrying considerable responsibility for the company’s success on his shoulders, this individual has had enough of long hours, interference from above and a perceived lack of reward. A job elsewhere is at the top of their Christmas list.
It would be grossly irresponsible to suggest that this view is common among the industry’s bright young things. The opposite is undoubtedly true. But where does the future of your business lie, and are you doing all that you can to keep hold of young managerial talent?
Money is often not the be-all and end-all, but work-life balance plays an increasingly important part of many people’s lives, perhaps much more than it did a generation ago.
Talent is out there. Use it – but don’t abuse it.
