For those of you who watch hockey, you may be familiar with the phrase "keep your stick on the ice." It's an idiom that means to be ready for the puck at all times, and it's a great phrase to use on and off the ice.

In hockey, if you're a center, you're probably going to see the puck a lot, whether you're passing or shooting. But that doesn't mean that the other players can't take on the role of finishing, i.e., scoring. 

A defenseman predominately has a role as a facilitator, but at times, they're required to finish the play, and although 80% of the time it's them protecting the net, they need to always be ready if the play comes to them and they need to finish.

Therefore, no matter your role and what you're used to doing to find success as a team, every single person needs to know how to step up and take the charge and take the lead. 

Preparing Your Team to Adapt and Thrive

But before any of that, what kind of plan do you have in place? Does each member of your team know where to go and what to do when someone isn't available? Does your team know how to keep things running smoothly when the fleet manager has to be away? 

I've spoken with several fleet managers who don't worry about their teams if they need to be away. Why? It's because they've taught each person what needs to be done and how to do it.

These teams have also realized that these days, you'll be more successful when you know more than just your role. The people on successful fleet teams have taken time to learn other team members' roles and fill in when and where needed.

Embracing Multiskilling for Enhanced Team Performance

In my career, we've gone through a similar evolution. It's rare to find someone in the journalism world who only does one thing within their role. Now, we're backpack journalists, meaning you know how to not only write but edit, do photography and videography, and whatever else you may need to get a story out. Maybe you primarily write, but if there's a need, you're able to grab a few photos as well. 

I don't need to remind our readers that the world is changing. I don't think I've talked to a single person in fleet who hasn't talked about how much this world has changed, especially with what is required of each role.

The takeaway is this: make sure everyone on your team is able to step up when things don't go to plan. You want to have full trust in each person so that when and if it's their turn to step up and make a play, they're ready.