What are the most important soft skills for transportation managers?

1 Communication skills

Communication skills are essential for transportation managers, as they have to interact with various stakeholders, such as drivers, customers, suppliers, regulators, and senior management. They need to be able to convey clear and concise instructions, provide feedback, handle complaints, negotiate contracts, and report on performance. They also need to be able to adapt their communication style and tone to different audiences and situations, using appropriate language and channels. To improve their communication skills, transportation managers can practice active listening, ask open-ended questions, use positive and constructive language, and seek feedback on their communication.

2 Teamwork skills

Teamwork skills are another key soft skill for transportation managers, as they have to work with and lead diverse teams of people across different locations and functions. They need to be able to foster a collaborative and supportive culture, delegate tasks, motivate and empower others, resolve conflicts, and celebrate achievements. They also need to be able to coordinate and align their team's goals and activities with the organization's vision and strategy. To enhance their teamwork skills, transportation managers can involve their team members in decision-making, provide regular recognition and appreciation, encourage feedback and learning, and promote diversity and inclusion.

3 Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are crucial for transportation managers, as they have to deal with various challenges and uncertainties in the transportation industry, such as traffic congestion, weather disruptions, equipment breakdowns, customer demands, and regulatory changes. They need to be able to analyze data, identify root causes, generate and evaluate alternatives, and implement solutions. They also need to be able to think creatively, critically, and strategically, and adapt to changing circumstances. To sharpen their problem-solving skills, transportation managers can use structured frameworks and tools, such as the PDCA cycle, the 5 Whys, or the SWOT analysis, seek input from others, and learn from mistakes and successes.

4 Emotional intelligence skills

Emotional intelligence skills are vital for transportation managers, as they have to manage their own and others' emotions in a stressful and dynamic environment. They need to be able to recognize, understand, and regulate their emotions, as well as empathize and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. They also need to be able to build trust and rapport, influence and persuade others, and cope with pressure and setbacks. To boost their emotional intelligence skills, transportation managers can practice self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management, using techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, reflection, or coaching.

5 Customer service skills

Customer service skills are important for transportation managers, as they have to ensure that their customers are satisfied with the quality, speed, and cost of the transportation services they provide. They need to be able to anticipate and meet customer needs and expectations, handle customer inquiries and complaints, and build long-term customer relationships. They also need to be able to measure and improve customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention, using feedback, surveys, or metrics. To develop their customer service skills, transportation managers can adopt a customer-centric mindset, listen to and understand customer perspectives, deliver on their promises, and exceed customer expectations.