Preseason field trips are key for snow and ice management, giving your team practical experience and helping them get familiar with each site before winter begins. Field trips also serve as an excellent opportunity for team bonding. When your team members understand the lay of the land and what is expected of them, they are more likely to perform their tasks efficiently and safely. This not only boosts team morale but also ensures that your clients receive the highest level of service.
Take these preparatory steps to ensure that your field trip is productive and informative:
Assemble comprehensive site binders or a digital repository of all necessary information, including maps, route plans, and site-specific requirements.
Before hitting the road, hold a pre-trip meeting to discuss the objectives and expectations. Outline the specific areas that need to be examined, such as equipment usage, safety procedures, and job completion walkthroughs. Make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities during the trip.
Equip your team with visual cheat sheets, cameras for documenting site conditions, and note-taking materials.
The success of on-site training during a field trip hinges on several critical factors:
Clear communication. Make sure your team understands the goals of the trip and what is expected of them. Use this opportunity to discuss service levels, equipment usage, and safety procedures in a real-world context.
Hands-on practice. Allow your team—both seasoned operators and new hires—to operate the equipment and perform tasks as they would during an actual event. Encourage questions and provide immediate feedback to reinforce learning.
Document everything. Take photos of site-specific obstacles, note any unique requirements, and create a detailed visual cheat sheet. This will serve as a valuable reference during the season and can help protect you from unfair claims of damage or liability.
Unlike classroom training, field trips allow your team to simulate conditions they will face during the season.
Expose your team to diverse client sites to assess their skills in real-world environments and deliver targeted, on-the-job training. For newer staff, this is a valuable chance to learn directly from experienced team members. Field-based training also sharpens problem-solving abilities, helping employees respond effectively to unexpected situations or difficult site conditions.
Once your field trip wraps up, bring everyone together for a quick review. Talk through what went well, what could be better, and update your site binders or digital notes with anything new you’ve learned. Taking time for this step helps your team remember key takeaways, get questions answered, and make sure those fresh insights find their way into your preseason plans.
Demonstrating your commitment to thorough preseason preparation shows clients your professionalism and dedication to delivering exceptional service—setting your business apart in a competitive market.
During field trips, take time to talk with clients about their service expectations and walk them through your detailed plans. This open, proactive approach builds trust and confidence in your team. Comprehensive training and careful planning help prevent mistakes, leading to reliable service and lasting client relationships. By investing in these field trips and detailed preparation, you consistently provide high-quality results and reinforce your clients’ trust and loyalty.