Student transporters are playing with technology to improve behind-the-wheel performance of drivers


Written by Debbie Curtis C


oaching often turns our attention to sports. But the word also refers to professional development and mentoring. Companies, school districts in- cluded, have turned toward coaching employees instead of implementing disciplinary actions to improve performance, an especially valuable tool


amid ongoing school bus driver shortages. There are four main types of coaching styles: autocratic, democratic, lais- sez-faire and holistic. While the autocratic model maintains absolute rule under one person, it’s often bold and harsh. This approach traditionally worked well in sports. Think Vince Lombardi of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers. But that coaching model today would most likely result in school bus drivers seeking other employment. The democratic approach relies on the model of hearing and respecting ev-


eryone’s opinions equally. However, “too many cooks spoil the broth” could be the disastrous result given the varied personalities of those who turn to driving a school bus for a living. Equally disastrous could be a laissez-faire style of coaching drivers. Giving


autonomy to employees can foster innovation. But being too hands off with em- ployees, especially bus drivers, could quickly backfire. That leaves the holistic approach, which revolves around coaching every person


as individually and as a whole. Being a humanitarian supervisor is certainly better for employee morale than becoming a dictator. With the technology available today, many districts are distinguishing between using disciplinary actions and coaching their employees to achieve better performance. >>>>>>


50 School Transportation News • FEBRUARY 2024


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