The Rumor Mill: #6 Kiss my a**

Rumor #6: All our drivers have to kiss our butts to keep us happy.

I'm sure that if you asked our drivers, they'd be pretty unhappy about the idea that they're a bunch of brown-nosers, but this is what we were told a couple weeks ago.

Sure there are some drivers we're more friendly with than others, but we don't expect any of them to kiss up (although I do enjoy a nice soft pair of lips on my cheek once in awhile). All we really ask for is some respect, loyalty, communication and cooperation; the basis of any good relationship.

Respect:
We expect our drivers to treat us, our property, tools and equipment, and the other drivers with respect. We also expect that passengers, pedestrians, police and other members of the downtown community will be treated with respect. Lying, cheating and stealing isn't tolerated; they show a lack of respect for self and others.

Loyalty:
Don't spread gossip and lies. Don't talk shit about us. Don't come to our parties, drink our beer and eat our food, then tell everyone how awful and unfair we are. If you have a problem with our policies, talk to us about it directly. Don't waste time getting everyone else's opinion first. That's how rumors and gossip get started.

Communication:
If you have an issue with some decision we've made, discuss it with us. If there's a reason why rent will be late, talk to us about it. If there's a problem with the cab you rode last night, write it on the board. If there was an incident with a passenger or police, let us know about it now; don't just wait to see if someone complains. Honest and straight-forward communication is key.

Cooperation:
Cooperation with us and with other drivers goes hand-in-hand with respect. If you elect to participate in a special event -- wedding, art walk, grand opening, fundraiser, etc. -- we expect you to cooperate with us, the coordinator, and the other drivers to make the event a great experience. We also get calls for rides requiring single cabs and groups. We expect our drivers to cooperate with us and with each other in those special rides. That doesn't mean they can't say no; it means that if they say yes, they can't bitch about it later if there are problems. We all do the best we can to anticipate issues, but some problems (like weather) are simply unpredictable.

I don't have a problem with people who have a different opinion than mine. I don't expect everyone to like or agree with everything we say or do. And I'm sure we'll make mistakes from time to time, no matter how good our intentions may be. We're always looking for ways to improve, so we appreciate ideas for how to do things better. But how will we know if no one takes the time to talk with us?

However, and this is a big HOWEVER, don't just whine about how bad you've got it, how you never get a break, or how things never work out for you. We've all gone through rough times and whining doesn't make it any better; it just makes everyone around you miserable. If you want me to do something about a problem, offer me an idea for a solution. Don't just tell me that something's broken; tell me what you would do to fix it.

I do have a problem with people who won't talk about issues with me directly, but prefer to leave snippy text messages or cryptic voicemails on my cell phone, make snide comments as they ride by, or smile to my face then tell lies behind my back. I thought I left all that behind in high school.

Maybe those people are just plain yeller - too sceered to face their problems head on. With a favorite past-time of stirring up trouble, they have a limited repertoire of problem-solving tactics: name-calling, gossiping, and acting out. I'd tell them to grow up and move out of their parents' basement, but I already know their response: "F U!"