So, You’re Riding Shotgun
Maybe you just hitched on with a new company or maybe you’ve been hitched up with a senior technician for training or maybe you’re an apprentice who has been hitched up with a technician for training, but today you’re riding shotgun.
Of course you might want to pony up first….
When you’re riding shotgun, you need to respect the driver (senior technician). You are there to learn, not show off what you know. Lets look at a few ways where you can get the most out of riding shotgun.
Intend to Learn – From the minute that you step into the truck or onto the job site, say to yourself, I am going to learn about this or that today.
Think Safety – Utilize safe working practices and safety gear while working in a safe environment. Reference your company’s safety policy for practices that apply to working with someone other than yourself.
Be Involved – Second to a lack of respect, the worst thing you can possibly do when in the presence of someone who is trying to teach you, is to not pay attention (which is also a lack of respect). Understand the basic premise of what you are doing and ask questions when appropriate. The opportunity as to when to ask questions will be determined by the senior technician.
Anticipate – The ability to anticipate and take action will come in time. If the two of you have finished a repair, dig right in and start cleaning up. Dig in when you get to a job site too. Get the tools out and get things set up. If the senior technician has his arms buried in equipment, be ready to feed him tools, parts or material as needed. You know you’re heading in the right direction when the senior technician doesn’t have to keep telling you what to do.
You’re not a Slave – Actually, you’re a smart businessman. The name of the game is cooperation. When you show respect and help the senior technician get what he needs, you present yourself with the greatest opportunity to learn and grow. In all reality, when you do this, the senior technician will no doubt give you more help than you can handle.
That Night at Home – If you can, spend five to ten minutes going over notes you took from working with the senior technician or spend that time reading additional information that pertains to what you worked on that day.
The opportunity to ride shotgun is an opportunity to be treasured. Who’s calling shotgun today?
photo by nick2 on Flickr
