Understanding Perceptions
Posted on Tue, Jul 20, 2010 @ 02:12 PM
Perception as defined by Merriam-Webster:
1a: a result of perceiving; observation 1b: a mental image; concept
2: obsolete; consciousness
3a: awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation <color perception> 3b: physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4a: quick, acute, and intuitive cognition; appreciation 4b: a capacity for comprehension
Recently I received an anonymous email that, though very well written, contained perceptions of the author. In this email, specific drivers were named along with the author's allegations of unfair favoritism. As with any information-claiming issues of safety, fairness, or favoritism, the facts are being pursued. The author’s perception that some drivers are performing their duties and “are not getting anything from the Company in return” is blatantly incorrect.
First off, our drivers are compensated for the loads that they move. Secondly, every driver that is a part of our organization is an individual who has different abilities, needs, priorities, and goals. Historically, Area Transportation has been much more compassionate to accommodating our driver’s needs than most carriers, whether it is to care for family, maintain a stable home life, or to allow drivers to participate in activities not related to work.
It seems that the perception of what is good and what is bad, as part of human nature, is often only applied to the advantage of the individual. As in most cases when light is shed on the facts, the perceptions change from alarming concern to minor inconvenience. I like to quote the Paul Harvey catchphrase, “Now for the rest of the story.”
Perceptions can make or break an individual, group, organization, company, or corporation. Take the time to get the facts for yourself. Don’t get caught up in rumor mill, the “Yeah, whatever it was he said” misperceptions that always seem to be more appealing than the facts.
I have been with Area Transportation for over 15 years, I have been in the transportation industry for 30 years. I have been directly involved with start-up operations that have started with negative perceptions that ultimately became very successful once those perceptions were overcome. We are not in a perfect world and fairness is a goal that everyone at Area Transportation strives for. Life is not fair. No matter how the rules are written, or how they are applied, there will always be someone who feels slighted. When anonymous individuals or groups make accusations about things not being fair it makes me wonder if it is because they are not willing to give up accommodations for their individual needs in the interest of “fairness”.
Article written by Mark Andersen, Area Transportation.