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The answer is that we're supposed to listen
twice as much as we talk. (And for many of us, including me, that's not as easy as it
sounds.)
Listening well is an art form. But there's never been a more
critical time to listen well to the sounds, dynamics and ideas that are bouncing all
around our marketplace.
What we hear, is that "business as usual" is no longer
enough. Because what's been "usual" has changed far more dramatically than we
think. At OEM levels, at fleet levels, in the engineering labs of our industry and even in
the repair shop.
That's the focal point of all the articles in this issue of Real
Answers magazine.
We've done a lot of listening.
We visited Barry Langridge, general manager of Kenworth, to
discover exactly how the T2000 tractor was conceived, engineered and built. And once you
read that article, I suspect you'll agree that the T2000 is a truly revolutionary vehicle
that's been built in a truly revolutionary way. We've included Barry's views as a
demonstration of an unusual approach to creating a truck?something we'll see a lot more of
in the future. Note too, that the T2000 was really built by listening well to customers.
We asked Dave Laubie, director of engineering for
Bridgestone/Firestone, to share his thoughts on effects increased speed limits will have
on tires. All tires, not merely Bridgestone and Firestone tires. Dave's presentation is
eye-opening for a number of reasons. But it's a message we all need to listen to.
Carefully.
We visited Don Bowman and Sam Kennedy to find out how a fleet
copes with, implements and manages change while still maintaining sound business and
operating values. You'll find their answers inspiring and meaningful.
Then we asked Wendy Leavitt, managing editor of Trucking
Technology, to offer her insights on what kind of technologies lie in our collective
future. Rather than a bit of "Star Wars" thinking, Wendy's discussion probes
exactly why we all need to think about how we will do business in the future. Unusually.
Finally, even our continuing series on "Ask The Doctor"
reflects our listening ability. It's a response to those of you who have asked us to deal
with the significance of all those strange colored dots on tires.
We think this issue of Real Answers magazine gets deeply into the
critical realities of our business, your business and our collective future. It's the
result of careful listening, and then shaping the various messages so they'd be something
you will listen to as well.
So rather than "read" this issue, "listen" to
it. What's said will help you begin to do business unusually (and more profitably) in the
future.
As someone said, "beware of the people who go to a cocktail
party not to drink, but to listen. They can be extremely dangerous."
We look forward to hearing your questions, thoughts, comments and
suggestions on the response card we've included. By listening to you, we can better shape
future issues of Real Answers magazine to give you the kind of business solutions you're
looking for. |
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