Unlocking Success in Pavement Management: From Mediocre to Extraordinary
Success is a powerful concept that transcends various aspects of life, including pavement management. As I sit in my office surrounded by motivational decor, I can't help but reflect on how the pursuit of success applies to our mission of making America's roadways better. Today, I want to share some insights with you.
The State of America's Roadways:
The American Society of Civil Engineers' Infrastructure Report Card paints a grim picture of our roadways, with a grade ranging from D+ to C-. This means that the average pavement manager faces a tough challenge in maintaining and improving our networks. It's disheartening, but it also presents an opportunity for positive change.
Unlocking the Blueprint for Success:
If you're new to the world of pavement management, I understand that you may have doubts about the effectiveness of preservation activities or limited resources to invest. However, success stories exist all around us. Look to neighboring cities, counties, or townships where dedicated professionals have taken risks, implemented strategies, and witnessed positive results. Learn from their experiences.
Overcoming Reservations and Fear:
Fear of failure can be paralyzing, especially when you hold a significant role and are accountable to the public and decision-makers. However, there are valuable resources available to guide you. Visit websites like roadresource.org, which offer insights and tools to help you navigate the challenges of pavement management. Seek out success stories that prove the effectiveness of preventive maintenance and preservation activities.
Working Towards Extraordinary Results:
Our ultimate goal is to transform the current state of America's roadways. Instead of accepting 43% of roadways in mediocre or fair condition, we aspire to reduce that number to a mere 10%. We aim to see the average grade rise from D or C- to a solid B. However, it's crucial to recognize that solving these problems requires ongoing commitment and maintenance, not just one-time improvements.
Sharing Success and Building Community:
Success leaves clues, and we want to hear your success stories. If you've implemented strategies that have yielded positive results, we invite you to share them with us. We may even feature you as a guest on our video show, Road Insights, to inspire others and learn from your experiences. Together, we can make a significant impact on pavement management.
Success in pavement management starts with acknowledging the challenges we face and seeking inspiration from those who have overcome similar obstacles. Let's harness the resources available to us, embrace preventive maintenance practices, and work towards transforming America's roadways. Remember, success is not achieved in a single leap but through consistent efforts and continuous improvement. Until our next communication, let's pave the way to extraordinary results.
Author: James Golden, Founder and CEO of Pavement Management Group