Is anyone out there full time management? I'm a part-time dispatch supervisor and have been asked about whether I would like to make the jump to On-Road Supervisor. My biggest reservation is that I have no driving experience and I would think you would need that to be a good On-Road. People here are telling me that it isn't an issue but I'm not sure I buy it. Any feedback would be helpful.
First, ask yourself.... Why do you want to go into full time management?? Whether you get driving experience or not, this is a significant change. Your success will be based on how well other people do. You will be responsible for training, planning, accountability, follow up, etc.
Yes, you will be given some difficult (if not impossible) goals at times. How you react to that will impact how well you do.
If you are a good PDS, you have a leg up and some excellent experience. You know how to fix dispatch problems in the plan and in the preload.
Rather than ask those on this board (who are definitely biased), go ask your center manager and the other sups. Watch what they do more closely. See if that is the work you want to do. Look at other jobs as well. On road supervisor is one of many, many management positions. Are there others that you would like to do at some point?
Finally, I think if you are going to be an on road supervisor, you need to drive. At least for a period of time.
Best of luck