Fleet Coaching: The Leadership Program Fleets Don't Know They Need

This article is based on a recent episode of The Fleet Success Show podcast. Watch the full episode here: 

Fleet Coaching: The Key to Unlocking Internal Talent

Across the fleet industry, there's a leadership crisis hiding in plain sight. While fleet operations have evolved dramatically with new technologies and data-driven systems, the development of the people behind the scenes—especially those transitioning from wrench-turners to decision-makers—has been largely overlooked.

In Episode 176 of The Fleet Success Show, fleet veterans and RTA fleet success managers, Sara Burnam and Facundo Tassara, dive deep into this growing gap and introduce a program designed to bridge it: Fleet Coaching. More than just a training module, fleet coaching is a dynamic, customized leadership development experience for fleets of all sizes.

Why Fleet Coaching? Why Now?

For decades, the industry has relied on trial-by-fire leadership development. Fleet managers were often promoted from the shop floor without formal management training or support, leaving them to learn the hard way—by making costly mistakes.

As Sara and Facundo explain, this old model is no longer sustainable. Today's fleets face workforce shortages at all levels, from technicians to supervisors. Yet, there remains little to no structured pathway to help employees envision their career beyond the bay.

Fleet coaching was born to answer this need.

"We need to tell them there's another career path. There wasn't anyone showing technicians they could be managers, directors, or leaders in this industry."

Fleet Coaching: Beyond the Basics

This is not your typical classroom-style training. Fleet coaching is a hands-on, tailored approach, where RTA's fleet success managers partner directly with fleets to assess their unique challenges and leadership gaps.

Key Elements Include:

• Customized Coaching Curriculums: There’s no one-size-fits-all. Programs are designed based on each fleet’s needs—whether it's developing new supervisors, coaching mid-level leaders, or training managers to understand metrics like asset availability.

• Onsite Fleet Evaluations: Coaches immerse themselves in the operation—mapping shop layouts, identifying process inefficiencies, and understanding team dynamics.

• One-on-One Coaching Sessions: After initial workshops, leaders receive personalized follow-ups to address specific leadership hurdles—like time management, staff motivation, or data literacy.

• Integrated Into Fleet Management Software Implementation: RTA customers now have coaching hours baked into their software contracts, simplifying purchasing approvals and ensuring leadership support is part of every system rollout.

The ROI of Fleet Coaching

• Reduced Turnover: Coaching provides career paths, reducing frustration among technicians and supervisors.

• Better Data Use: Leaders learn why KPIs matter, ensuring data drives action, not confusion.

• Stronger Culture: By reinforcing that Fleet is the community, teams find new pride and purpose in their work.

"Technicians aren't just fixing trucks. They're ensuring ambulances start and fire pumps work when the community needs them most."

Why Fleets Can’t Afford to Wait

Leadership development isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Smaller government fleets, in particular, may lack the internal resources to mentor staff or provide leadership programs. Fleet coaching offers an affordable, impactful way to fill that void, ensuring future-ready leaders are prepared today.

Interested in learning more about fleet coaching and how it can improve your team? Schedule a conversation today.