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Why Mentorship Opportunities Should Be A Part of Your Business Plan

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It is natural for human beings to look to other people for advice, support, and to acquire knowledge in a particular field or skill. From the beginning of time, we have chosen to follow the lead of others and glean their expertise so that we may apply it to our own lives, whether it be for personal development or professional success. While the exchange of knowledge and talent has grown in popularity, mentorship programs have become an attractive add-on in businesses large and small within sectors across the board.
 
What is a Mentorship Program?
 
Mentorship programs allow for the exchange of information, skills, and talents between individuals. Mentors provide mentees with knowledge and expertise within a particular field, to enable them to apply this knowledge to their own lives and gain greater success. While many people believe a mentorship to be a one-way street in that it is only beneficial for the mentee, mentors have also been able to gain expertise through these sessions, particularly in developing leadership and coaching skills.
 
Whether a person is engaging in a mentorship program on a professional or personal level, it can allow them to recognize, address and put a game-plan in place for taking this information and putting it into action. Individuals can either seek out mentorship programs and opportunities or become involved in a mandatory workplace program.
 
Research indicates that, “77% of companies with mentoring programs say they improve employee retention and job performance." This is not surprising as when individuals can increase their knowledge base within a particular industry, and feel free to voice their questions, concerns, and opinions they can gain a greater understanding of the industry in general and their role in contributing to it. Fortune 500 companies, such as Google, Intel, and General Electric have recognized the importance of implementing mentorship programs and have seen incredible success in doing so!
 
Should Mentorships Exist in Logistics?
 
According to the American Trucking Association, approximately 8.7 million people work within the logistics industry in the United States. In Canada, that number is a lot smaller at 896,000, but that does not diminish the overall magnitude of this industry. Despite the growth of the trucking industry in recent years, however, it is believed that this sector will face a massive driver shortage by 2020. As truck drivers retire and individuals enter the industry for the first time, one can speculate that a mass exchange of information must take place to prepare new drivers for a career in trucking.
 
As it is in any industry, there is only so much that can be learned from books, courses and training programs. How is a new driver to know the ins and outs of the logistics industry, tips for maintaining shipper and receiver relationships, and best practices for managing a work-life balance if they are not to learn from someone who has been working in this environment for years? With approximately “80% of learning [taking] place between mentors and mentees," it may be time for logistics companies to integrate mentorship programs to allow for the passing of information from one generation of drivers to the next.
 
How TRAFFIX Utilizes Mentorship Programs
 
At TRAFFIX, we recognize the importance of mentorship programs in providing additional value to team members, in particular, our Junior Logistics Coordinators.
 
We love welcoming on willing individuals who have an interest in the exciting world of logistics, and who have a passion for understanding the complex elements of this industry. While logistics is not for everyone and is incredibly fast-paced, those who love putting things in order and revel in the challenge of quick decision making, excel and find incredible purpose in their work. Through ensuring that they have the knowledge they need to back up their passion and drive, we are able to help individuals grow in and appreciate this industry even more. We have noticed year over year that those who love what they do, stay in it their entire working life!
 
Chuck Snow, the CEO and Founder of TRAFFIX, also devotes his time to personally mentor small fleet owners, single truck owners, and those who are interested in transitioning from company drivers into independent operators. He is also a frequent guest and co-host of the blog-talk radio, Rates and Lanes. Chuck has been described by host Rico Muhammed, as the shows resident mentor. Chuck answers messages, calls, and emails from listeners, and offers advice on how to succeed in the trucking and logistics game.
TRAFFIX is also proud to be a sponsor and attendee of Kevin Rutherford’s annual five-day CMC event. TRAFFIX is devoted to “playing it forward,” and we hope that we can continue to share our expertise in the industry as it continues to grow and transform.
 
Mentorship programs are always evolving, taking into account trends in business development, technology, individual achievement and the future of the industry. Through providing mentorship programs, businesses can ensure that their team remains knowledgeable, skilled and passionate about what they do. Have you thought about implementing a mentorship program? 2018 is the year to make it a reality!