Feature Story
What are Tailgate Talks and How Can They Help Your Business?
G
reat businesses are built on great communication. When it comes to your business, communicating with your landscape crew is no different. Whether you’re using open and transparent communication to help build your team or simply trying to use clear communication to share expectations and goals for a project, great communication is the best way for everyone to get on the same page. When it comes to the fast-paced world of landscaping, tailgate talks are a great way to communicate with your crew. This guide will help you strengthen your communication skills when it comes to this helpful tool of the trade. What is a tailgate talk? A tailgate talk (sometimes called a toolbox talk) is a quick, face-to-face stand-up meeting with crew members. Tailgate talks are usually held at the beginning of the work day and are used to communicate goals, project details, and safety messages. While they don’t always happen this way, the name refers to the practice of meeting by the back of a pickup truck on a job site. Tailgate talks or tailgate meetings are used by crew leaders or managers to; - Set goals and objectives for a project or job, - Outline scope of work and expectations, - Inform crew members of any safety concerns or hazards associated with a job, - Act as team-building opportunities, - Provide crew leaders or managers the opportunity to have face-to-face time with crew members, - Review elements of policy and procedure (e.g. your emergency action plan), and - Establish a crew leader or manager as a safety authority. Tailgate talks are an important piece of any formal landscape training program. Used correctly, they can reduce the risk of workplace injuries, increase productivity, and foster a posi-
by the Greenius Team tive team environment. Used incorrectly, tailgate talks may be seen as little more than a distraction or waste of time. Here are some tips that you can use to make the most of your tailgate talks. Tip #1: Come prepared Have a brief agenda of what you need to communicate to your team or crew, even if you’re the only one that sees it. Having something written down (or at least planned) will help you communicate efficiently and effectively. It will also help ensure you don’t miss anything important, particularly if you’re like the 75% of people who have anxiety about speaking in public. Tip #2: Know the safety hazards associated with a job site The safety of your crew should be your top priority, which means keeping your crew informed of the risks. Tip #1 and tip #2 go hand in hand, since knowing the safety hazards of a job site ahead of time is part of being prepared. Take the time to know the job site yourself, including how the natural terrain and the particular job being performed may contribute to safety risks. If there’s a particularly steep embankment that your crew needs to be aware of, make sure you know exactly where it is and how it will affect their work. Then, use your tailgate talks to inform your crew.
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