We have a driver we refer to as our "problem child." He's our youngest active driver -- a bit of a prima donna. He's sensitive to every click, rattle and squeak, but has little knowledge of bike maintenance. His attempts to "have a little fun" are reckless, bordering on dangerous. Sometimes he's too focused on the money at the expense of the cab, but when he focuses on the experience he gets into trouble.
When they're not complaining about him, the older more experienced drivers talk about him, laughing and telling stories about the things he says and does to try to impress them. Like big brothers and sisters, sometimes they call us to tattle on him.
To his credit, he's very smart, polite and personable. He likes to participate in most any event. He always shows up. He's cute, young and full of energy and enthusiasm ("It's great to be 19!"). He can ride into the wee hours of the night, then come out a few hours later for a grueling day at a Broncos game. He really likes driving a pedicab and makes good money at it.
What do you do with a driver like this? How far do you go to try to coach him? What can you say or do to rein him in? Where do you draw the line and finally give him the boot?
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Problem child
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2 comments:
Do you think it's possible that now that he has this reputation, everything he says or does will be scrutinized and judged harshly? Sometimes I really feel like such an ignorant dumbass out there and I wonder why other pedicabbers don't give me a harder time when I make the mistakes I do. Well I think there is this crucial point not too long after a pedicabber starts when the pedicab community decides it will accept or shun a driver (as early as their first or second week on the street). I guess I'm in, but for some reason rather than taking our naive and rambunctious young friend under its wing and dealing with his faults constructively, the pedicab community has decided to ostracize him. A crying shame.
On another note, I was actually surprised to learn the minimum age to operate a pedicab wasn't at least 21. I think there is a lot that changes between 19 and 21, or at least that was my case.
But every mistake should be a lesson learned, but to the edification of a person. I think if he is simply fined or suspended for a week or so when he breaks the rules, he'll probably learn from it. That's more constructive than firing him. And one day he can look back and laugh about being young and stupid rather than wondering where he went wrong with the whole pedicabbing thing and being bitter about it.
I'll think he'll make an excellent driver, his energy and enthusiasm really are underrated.
Some people learn from their mistakes and stop stupid things and actions. If you think you know everthing and never think anyone has anything of value to say people give up and stop trying. I tried to be friendly and make suggestions to this rider and I was dis'ed bigtime. He doesnt care about anyone but himself. Who ever you are that wrote this reply does not live in reality because dealing with his faults constructively is inpossible. Its a crying shame he does not want to be part of the "Pedicab Community". He wants to everything his way and screw everyone else. So what you are saying is that money is the only thing that has an effect? He needs to wake up and realise the world DOES NOT revole around him!!
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