Green Room #45 - Grumpy Old Men

Get ready for a lively discussion as Terry Cook and Chris Bensted dive into the pet peeves that really get under their skin in the driving instructor world.

From the annoyance of trainers boasting about their students' successes before the students even get a chance to celebrate, to the cringe-worthy spelling mistakes that can undermine professionalism, this episode covers it all.

They explore the importance of respecting each other's journeys, whether it's waving at fellow instructors on the road or handling questions from learners on social media with kindness rather than sarcasm. Humorously dissecting the quirks of their profession, Terry and Chris highlight the need for camaraderie in an often solitary job, emphasizing that a little acknowledgment goes a long way. Tune in for insights that blend personal anecdotes with industry observations, all delivered with their signature playful banter.

Links from the show:

Emma's CPD book

Know the HGV Zones

Blind spit awareness

Driving Test Podcast

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Terry Cook and Chris Bensted delve into the intricacies of the driving instructor industry, discussing the latest trends, news, and their own personal experiences. Highlighting the importance of camaraderie among instructors, they address the phenomenon of instructors waving at each other as they pass on the roads. While Chris emphasizes the value of acknowledging fellow instructors, Terry counters that sometimes the social battery runs low, making waving feel like an unnecessary obligation. Their banter underscores a larger theme: the balance between professional interaction and personal boundaries in the world of driving instruction.

In the latter half, the conversation shifts to the significance of awards within the driving instructor community. They debate the merits of various categories like 'Driving Instructor of the Year' and 'Content Creator of the Year,' exploring whether these accolades truly reflect the value and quality of the instructors' contributions or are merely popularity contests. With insights into how nominations and votes can be swayed by social dynamics, they encourage instructors to celebrate each other’s achievements, fostering a positive environment in an often competitive field. As they wrap up, Terry and Chris examine the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect, urging instructors to uplift each other rather than tear each other down in online spaces.

Takeaways:

• Instructors expressing their successes online should respect the achievements of their trainees first.
• Waving at fellow instructors on the road fosters community, though not everyone will reciprocate.
• It's crucial for instructors to support one another rather than criticise questions posed by learners.
• The importance of recognizing road safety and the efforts behind recent campaigns is essential.
• Awards in the driving instructor community can encourage a positive atmosphere and recognition of hard work.