Interview with Shane Murray, Technical Manager
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Shane Murray, our Technical Manager at RTL. Shane and his team are the newest addition to the RTL family, having established the Service Department from scratch just a few years ago. Despite being relatively new, they have quickly become known for their close-knit dynamic and their ability to adapt swiftly to new challenges.

Team Dynamics and Achievements:

• Shane's team includes several new staff members who have been with RTL for just over a year. 
• They are regularly praised by our customers for their strong team cohesion and the innovative work they undertake.
• Their work often involves new and complex tasks, requiring quick adaptation and agility.

How is your team navigating the current market conditions?
 Transparency is key for me. I keep my team informed about the market climate and encourage collective ownership. We come together as a group often and are free to share any ideas to help us and our company work through these times.  We've introduced new services in the last few weeks , like no-charge fleet assessments which keeps my team busy and also helps out our customers who are also facing some hard times. We have kicked off repairs for non-RTL products, to support our customers who often ask for support in this area and it also keeps our team engaged. It's been exciting for us to learn about other products in the market and offer our customers a one-stop shop for their repair needs regardless of whom the supplier is. We have had good uptake of this and it creates the space for innovative thinking. 

What do you think are the key elements of effective teamwork, especially during tough times?
 Constant and consistent engagement is crucial. We have two daily stand-ups to discuss the work for the day and address any concerns.  Personal engagement is vital for me as my team is more than just a workforce; we are a close-knit group that supports each other. 

What leadership qualities do you believe are most important during these tougher economic times? 
 Discernment which for me comes through genuine engagement and connection. I truly value connecting with my team as a group and one on one. 

Have you been inspired by a colleague's approach during this time?
 Yes, one of my colleague’s is always looking beyond the the day to day, taking inspiration from market trends, other organisations and personal ambition. This big-picture approach helps us to  stay motivated and innovative. It’s a reminder to not get bogged down by internal issues but to keep looking forward.

Is there any advice you have for other leaders in your organisation and industry?
 Regularly check in with your team to understand their state of mind. If you do this you can have discernment and be better positioned to make decisions that work for the team. On a personal note – I think having an accountability buddy at work can also be incredibly beneficial. It’s great to have someone to go to for support or when you are down and also to keep you focused on your goals. 

Personal Coping Strategies:
 How are you coping personally with the current situation 

I stay busy and I focus on new opportunities. I love learning new things so recently, I've been upskilling in cloud-based technology, which is becoming more relevant in our industry. I try not to dwell on what’s lost but look at what we can gain.

Message to the Team:
 We are in this together, and we will get through it together.