The Austin Empire

I was asking for a checklist of things we do everyday, so that I could break it down and make different sections according to when things need to be done.  I did get the checklist, but I also got a route readiness checklist for the regulars.  I guess it's helpful.  It's got ideas for things that can help a brand new sub, and even just someone who's never done the route before.  I'm starting to realize though...after doing so much to make my route as easy as possible, it only works if the subs pay attention to it.  The whole point of doing the things to help them is so that there's no question of what things are or where things go, or how things should be done.  I realize that management is pushing them to be fast, get it done so you can do more, but when is it going to become a priority to deliver things correctly?  Does this start when subs start brand new?  We need to keep telling them, slow down for a second, pay attention, look, read, ...

Unity brings us a great work environment where productivity, customer service, creativity and the resulting profit more naturally occur. There are 5 enemies of unity. 1.Poor Communication 2. Lack of shared purpose 3. Gossip 4. Unresolved disagreements 5.Sanctioned incompetence. This post is focused specifically on one of those enemies.  "Gossip is evil, it is insidious, and it is contagious." When most people think of gossip they think of people spreading rumors, or just talking about other people behind their backs.   "Gossip about the company, or about leadership, is a particularly evil form of disloyalty.  And it is suicidal when the person gossiping is hurting and running down the place and the people who pay him so he can feed his family."  Put yourself in the other person's shoes before you open your mouth.  Problems and gripes are fine but they must be handed UP to leadership/management.  Problems or gripes that are handed down or ...

This is for the regular carriers out there.  Take a few minutes one day and look at your route as if you've never done it before.  That can be tough, but it's important.  Since I'm fairly new on my route, I still remember the first few weeks trying to learn the case, delivery, special notices, all that stuff.  I'm lucky with all of my boxes being in NBU's it's a lot easier to figure out the addresses in the boxes on the street if they aren't marked well, at least you don't have to stop to open the box and look inside.  I know in some more rural areas the houses have sign posts at the end of the driveway so knowing you're at the right house is a little easier, but here in AZ you're just left to wonder sometimes. If a box is not properly marked on the outside, what do you do?  I believe our management says we are not supposed to mark on the outside of the box.  Many times as a sub I had to stop and open the box to see if the address was on the ...