Unlock Stronger Partnerships: Improving Retail Carrier Relations for Carrier Relationship Coordinators Through Effective Dock Management
In the fast-paced world of retail, the efficiency of your supply chain is paramount, and at its heart lies the intricate dance of inbound and outbound logistics. For Carrier Relationship Coordinators, the ability to foster strong, collaborative relationships with carriers and suppliers is not just a desirable skill but a fundamental driver of operational success. The effectiveness of these relationships often hinges on a seemingly operational detail: dock management. Inefficient dock processes can quickly sour carrier interactions, leading to delays, frustration, and a damaged reputation. Conversely, a well-orchestrated dock management system serves as a powerful catalyst for improving retail carrier relations, transforming potential friction points into opportunities for enhanced collaboration and mutual benefit. This exploration delves into how mastering effective dock management can empower Carrier Relationship Coordinators to significantly elevate their KRA of “Effective Communication and Collaboration with Carriers/Suppliers,” directly impacting the crucial KPI of “Carrier Schedule Adherence Rate” and fulfilling the vital job-to-be-done of providing a clear, predictable, and efficient system for carriers and suppliers to book and manage dock appointments.
The Foundation: Understanding Carrier Perspectives in Dock Management
To truly enhance partnerships, it’s essential to step into the shoes of your transportation partners. Carriers operate on tight schedules and thin margins. Their profitability and efficiency are directly impacted by the time their trucks spend idle at a customer’s facility. They value predictability, speed, and clarity above almost all else when interacting with a retail dock. When a driver arrives at a facility, their primary concerns revolve around minimizing dwell time – the total time spent from arrival to departure. This includes check-in, waiting for a dock, loading/unloading, and completing paperwork. Ambiguous instructions, disorganized staging areas, or unprepared receiving teams translate directly into lost time and revenue for the carrier, fostering resentment and making your facility less attractive for future loads.
Common pain points for carriers often stem from operational inefficiencies at the retail dock. These include excessively long wait times, often without any communication or updates, which can disrupt a driver’s hours-of-service and subsequent delivery schedules. Unclear or constantly changing instructions regarding dock assignments, safety procedures, or paperwork requirements add to the frustration and potential for errors. Furthermore, last-minute changes to appointment times, without adequate notice or flexibility, can throw a carrier’s entire day into disarray. An inefficient manual check-in process, coupled with slow loading or unloading crews, exacerbates these issues, painting a picture of a disorganized and inconsiderate consignee.
The direct impact of consistently poor dock experiences on carrier relations cannot be overstated. Carriers maintain informal (and sometimes formal) scorecards of shippers and receivers. Facilities known for delays and difficulties will find themselves deprioritized, especially during periods of tight capacity. This can manifest as higher transportation rates, reluctance from preferred carriers to accept loads, or even outright refusal to service the location. Conversely, by actively addressing these carrier perspectives and striving to create a smooth, efficient dock experience, a retail operation can build a reputation as a “shipper of choice.” This coveted status translates into more reliable service, better rates, and a willingness from carriers to go the extra mile, ultimately strengthening the entire supply chain and improving retail carrier relations.
Strategic Dock Management: The Linchpin of Enhanced Carrier Collaboration Retail
Effective dock management extends far beyond merely assigning a time slot for a truck to arrive. It is a comprehensive strategy encompassing processes, technology, and communication designed to optimize the flow of goods through the warehouse doors, directly fostering enhanced carrier collaboration retail. This strategic approach recognizes that the dock is a critical control point in the supply chain, influencing everything from inventory accuracy to transportation costs and, crucially, carrier relationships. A well-defined dock management strategy aims to create a predictable, efficient, and transparent environment for both internal operations and external transportation partners, minimizing delays and maximizing throughput. This means proactively planning and coordinating all activities related to dock usage, from appointment scheduling to the physical loading and unloading processes.
Key components of a robust dock management strategy include:
Streamlined Appointment Booking: Moving away from manual, error-prone methods like phone calls and spreadsheets towards a predictable dock appointments system is fundamental. Such a system allows carriers to self-schedule based on real-time availability, receive instant confirmations, and manage their appointments efficiently. This not only reduces administrative burden but also provides carriers with the autonomy and predictability they value. A system that considers dock capacity, labor availability, and type of freight can prevent overbooking and ensure resources are aligned with scheduled arrivals.
Proactive Communication Channels: Establishing clear and consistent communication is vital. This includes automated appointment reminders, notifications of potential delays (both from the carrier and the warehouse), and clear instructions for arrival and check-in procedures. A central platform for communication ensures that all parties have access to the same information, reducing misunderstandings and fostering a collaborative environment.
Real-time Visibility and Updates: Providing carriers with visibility into their appointment status and expected wait times can significantly reduce frustration. Similarly, warehouse managers benefit from knowing which carriers are en route, their ETAs, and any potential issues. This shared visibility allows for better planning and resource allocation on both sides.
Standardized Operating Procedures (SOPs): Clearly defined and consistently enforced SOPs for all dock-related activities are essential. This includes procedures for check-in, vehicle spotting, safety protocols, loading/unloading processes, and paperwork handling. Standardizing these processes ensures efficiency and reduces the likelihood of errors or confusion, regardless of which staff members or carriers are involved.
Performance Monitoring and Feedback Loops: Continuously tracking key metrics such as dock turnaround time, on-time performance, and carrier wait times allows for the identification of bottlenecks and areas for improvement. Establishing a feedback loop with carriers to understand their experiences and suggestions can provide invaluable insights for refining dock operations and strengthening relationships.
Centralizing and optimizing these components is greatly facilitated by the implementation of a dedicated retail dock scheduler. Such a tool acts as the backbone of strategic dock management, providing a unified platform for scheduling, communication, and visibility. By automating many of the manual tasks and providing data-driven insights, a retail dock scheduler for carriers empowers Carrier Relationship Coordinators to shift their focus from reactive problem-solving to proactive relationship building and strategic improvement initiatives.
Bridging the Communication Gap: Crafting a Superior Supplier Communication Strategy
A cornerstone of improving retail carrier relations lies in establishing and maintaining a superior supplier communication strategy. Miscommunication, or a lack thereof, is a primary source of friction between retailers and their transportation partners. For Carrier Relationship Coordinators, architecting a communication framework that is clear, consistent, proactive, and accessible is paramount. This involves not just disseminating information but also creating avenues for genuine two-way dialogue, ensuring that carriers feel heard and valued. An effective strategy anticipates information needs, addresses potential issues before they escalate, and utilizes appropriate channels to reach the right people at the right time, thereby fostering a sense of partnership rather than a purely transactional exchange.
The first step in crafting this strategy is establishing unambiguous communication channels. Carriers need to know exactly who to contact for specific queries – be it appointment changes, clarification on instructions, or reporting delays – and how to reach them efficiently. This might involve dedicated email addresses, phone lines, or a portal within a logistics communication platform. Equally important is defining the expected response times for these channels, setting clear expectations for both parties. Proactive information sharing is the next critical element. This goes beyond simple appointment confirmations. It includes sending automated reminders leading up to the appointment, providing detailed arrival instructions (maps, gate numbers, specific dock door procedures), and, crucially, notifying carriers immediately of any unforeseen warehouse delays or changes to their scheduled slot. Transparency in these situations, even when the news isn’t ideal, is always preferable to silence, which breeds frustration and distrust.
Modern tools and technologies play a significant role in enabling seamless and efficient communication. A robust logistics communication platform, often integrated within a dock scheduling system, can automate many routine communications, such as appointment confirmations, reminders, and even alerts for gate entry or dock assignment. These platforms can also serve as a central repository for important documents, SOPs, and contact information, ensuring carriers have easy access to everything they need. Furthermore, they can facilitate real-time updates, allowing both the warehouse and the carrier to track progress and anticipate needs. When exceptions and disruptions inevitably occur, the established communication strategy must guide how these are handled. The emphasis should always be on transparency and collaboration. If a dock becomes unavailable or a shipment is delayed, promptly informing the affected carriers, explaining the situation, and working together to find a solution (e.g., rescheduling, diverting to another dock if possible) demonstrates respect for their time and operations. This collaborative problem-solving approach is key to enhanced carrier collaboration retail and transforms potential crises into opportunities to strengthen the partnership. Ultimately, the goal is to move beyond a reactive, problem-solving mode of communication to one that is proactive and relationship-focused, laying the groundwork for long-term, mutually beneficial engagements.
Achieving Punctuality: Strategies to Boost Carrier Schedule Adherence
The KPI of “Carrier Schedule Adherence Rate” is a direct reflection of the effectiveness of dock management and carrier communication. Poor schedule adherence from carriers can send ripples of disruption throughout warehouse operations, impacting labor planning, dock availability, inventory flow, and even outbound shipment timeliness. Conversely, high adherence rates contribute to a smoother, more predictable, and efficient warehouse environment. For Carrier Relationship Coordinators, developing and implementing strategies to boost carrier schedule adherence is a critical aspect of their role, directly contributing to operational excellence and stronger partnerships. This involves a multi-faceted approach that combines clear expectations, fair policies, data-driven insights, and the right technological enablers.
A foundational element in improving punctuality with carriers is the establishment of realistic expectations and crystal-clear guidelines for arrival windows. This begins with the appointment booking process itself. A well-designed predictable dock appointments system should offer slots that align with the warehouse’s actual capacity to receive and process shipments. Communicating precise arrival windows, rather than vague timeframes, helps carriers plan their routes and other deliveries more effectively. Alongside this, there must be clearly articulated policies for early or late arrivals. These policies should be fair, consistently applied, and communicated upfront. For instance, a policy might state that early arrivals may need to wait, while late arrivals could be rescheduled or worked in at the next available opportunity, potentially incurring a delay. Explaining the operational impact of non-adherence helps carriers understand the importance of punctuality.
Leveraging data is crucial for identifying patterns in non-adherence and addressing their root causes. By tracking arrival times against scheduled appointments, Carrier Relationship Coordinators can identify specific carriers, lanes, or times of day that consistently experience issues. This data can then form the basis for collaborative discussions with those carriers. Instead of a punitive approach, the conversation should focus on understanding the challenges the carrier faces (e.g., traffic on certain routes, delays at previous pickup locations) and exploring mutually agreeable solutions. Perhaps a standing appointment time needs adjustment, or maybe providing alternative route suggestions could help. This collaborative problem-solving fosters goodwill and demonstrates a commitment to partnership. Furthermore, implementing a predictable dock appointments system is instrumental, as it provides carriers with the tools to manage their schedules effectively, select slots that work for them, and receive timely reminders, all of which naturally encourage better adherence. Performance metrics related to schedule adherence should be regularly reviewed, not just internally but also shared with key carriers, promoting transparency and a shared goal of continuous improvement. When carriers understand that their punctuality is valued and contributes to a smoother process for everyone, they are more likely to make it a priority.
From Transactional to Transformational: Building True Vendor Relationship Management in Retail
The daily interactions surrounding dock appointments can easily become purely transactional: a slot is booked, a truck arrives, goods are exchanged, and the process repeats. However, Carrier Relationship Coordinators have the opportunity to elevate these interactions, transforming them into building blocks for true vendor relationship management retail. This shift from a transactional to a transformational approach involves viewing carriers not just as service providers but as strategic partners whose success is intertwined with your own. It means moving beyond the basic mechanics of scheduling and actively engaging with transportation partners to foster mutual understanding, identify shared opportunities for improvement, and build a resilient, collaborative supply network. This deeper level of engagement is where significant, long-term value is unlocked, leading to benefits such as preferred capacity, better service levels, and even cost efficiencies.
A key component of this transformational approach is the implementation of regular, structured performance reviews with key carriers. These reviews should be a two-way street, going beyond simply presenting data on their schedule adherence or damage rates. They are an opportunity for enhanced carrier collaboration retail, discussing what’s working well, identifying pain points from both perspectives, and collaboratively brainstorming solutions. For example, discussing transportation partner engagement tactics during these meetings can lead to innovative ideas for streamlining processes or improving communication flows. Actively seeking feedback from carriers on your dock operations—perhaps through surveys or during these reviews—is also critical. They are on the front lines and can offer invaluable insights into how your processes are perceived and where improvements can be made. Listening to and acting upon this feedback demonstrates that you value their input and are committed to a genuine partnership.
Recognizing and, where appropriate, rewarding top-performing carriers can further solidify these relationships. This doesn’t always have to be monetary; it could involve public acknowledgement, designation as a “preferred carrier,” or offering them more consistent volume. Such gestures reinforce desired behaviors and foster loyalty. The long-term benefits of investing in these deeper relationships are manifold. During times of tight capacity, carriers are more likely to prioritize shippers with whom they have strong, positive relationships. This can mean access to trucks when competitors are struggling. Furthermore, collaborative problem-solving and process improvement initiatives born from these partnerships can lead to tangible cost savings and efficiency gains for both parties. Utilizing retail supply chain collaboration tools can greatly facilitate this journey. These tools can provide shared dashboards, communication platforms, and data analytics capabilities that support a more integrated and transparent relationship, moving beyond simple appointment management to a more holistic approach to vendor relationship management retail. This strategic investment in relationships ultimately builds a more robust and responsive supply chain.
The Carrier Relationship Coordinator’s Toolkit for Success
To effectively navigate the complexities of dock management and foster strong carrier partnerships, Carrier Relationship Coordinators require a specific set of skills and tools. Beyond a general understanding of logistics, they must excel in areas that directly impact their ability to manage carrier interactions smoothly and achieve key performance indicators like improved Carrier Schedule Adherence Rate. This toolkit is a blend of interpersonal abilities, analytical capabilities, and the proficient use of technology designed to streamline operations and enhance communication. Mastering these elements empowers coordinators to move from a reactive, fire-fighting mode to a proactive, strategic approach in improving retail carrier relations.
Essential skills for a Carrier Relationship Coordinator begin with exceptional communication. This encompasses not only clarity in conveying information about schedules, procedures, and expectations but also active listening to understand carrier concerns and feedback. The ability to de-escalate situations and find common ground during disagreements is crucial. Problem-solving skills are equally vital, as coordinators often face unexpected challenges such as late arrivals, equipment issues, or sudden changes in warehouse capacity. They need to think on their feet and devise workable solutions that minimize disruption. Negotiation skills come into play when discussing service level agreements, accommodating special requests, or resolving disputes. Finally, data analysis capabilities are increasingly important. Coordinators must be able to interpret performance metrics, identify trends in carrier behavior or dock efficiency, and use this information to drive improvements and inform their supplier communication strategy.
Key metrics provide the quantitative underpinning for managing and improving carrier relations. The primary KPI, Carrier Schedule Adherence Rate, directly measures punctuality. However, other metrics offer a more holistic view:
Dock Turnaround Time: The total time a truck spends at the dock, from arrival to departure. Shorter times are generally better.
Carrier Wait Times: Specifically, the time a carrier waits before being assigned to a dock or before loading/unloading commences.
Appointment Accuracy: The percentage of appointments that occur as scheduled without changes or errors.
Carrier Satisfaction Scores: Gathered through surveys or feedback sessions, these provide qualitative insights into the carrier experience.
Technology is a significant enabler, transforming how coordinators manage their responsibilities. The shift from manual processes, like phone calls and spreadsheets for scheduling, to automated and centralized systems like a retail dock scheduler, dramatically improves efficiency and accuracy. These retail supply chain collaboration tools offer features like efficient supplier dock booking, automated notifications, real-time visibility, and data reporting, freeing up coordinators to focus on higher-value activities such as relationship building and strategic planning. An effective predictable dock appointments system not only makes life easier for carriers but also provides coordinators with the control and oversight needed to manage dock flow effectively and achieve consistent improving punctuality with carriers.
Overcoming Common Hurdles in Dock Management and Carrier Relations
Even with the best strategies and tools, Carrier Relationship Coordinators will inevitably face hurdles in managing dock operations and maintaining smooth carrier relations. Anticipating these challenges and developing proactive approaches to mitigate them is key to sustained success in improving retail carrier relations. These hurdles can range from external market pressures to internal operational constraints, each requiring a nuanced response to ensure that carrier partnerships remain strong and dock efficiency is maintained. Effectively navigating these obstacles often involves a combination of flexible planning, clear communication, and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
One of the most significant challenges is managing peak season surges and demand volatility. During these periods, the volume of inbound and outbound freight can increase dramatically, placing immense strain on dock capacity, labor, and scheduling systems. Without careful planning, this can lead to extended wait times, frustrated carriers, and a decline in Carrier Schedule Adherence Rate. Strategies to combat this include extending dock operating hours, implementing dynamic slot allocation within a predictable dock appointments system, and working closely with key carriers well in advance to understand their anticipated volumes and secure capacity. Clear communication about potential delays and revised procedures during peak times is also essential.
Dealing with a diverse carrier fleet and varied equipment types presents another common hurdle. Not all docks can accommodate all types of trailers, and specific equipment (like pallet jacks or forklifts) may be needed for certain loads. Miscommunication or lack of information about equipment requirements can lead to significant delays upon arrival. An efficient supplier dock booking process should capture necessary details about truck and trailer types, and load characteristics, ensuring that the assigned dock and resources are appropriate. Ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures across multiple warehouse sites, if applicable, can also be challenging. What works well at one facility might need adjustment for another due to differences in layout, staffing, or local carrier base. Regular audits, centralized oversight where practical, and ongoing training for dock staff are important for maintaining consistency and fairness in vendor relationship management retail.
Balancing the needs and requests of carriers with internal warehouse operational constraints is a constant tightrope walk. For instance, a carrier might request an earlier appointment slot that, if granted, could disrupt a planned sequence of unloads critical for production or order fulfillment. Carrier Relationship Coordinators must be adept at finding compromises that respect carrier needs while upholding operational priorities, often requiring skilled negotiation and a deep understanding of both sides’ limitations. Finally, change management is a critical hurdle, especially when implementing new processes or technologies like a new retail dock scheduler for carriers. Gaining buy-in from internal teams (warehouse staff, security) and from carriers requires clear communication of benefits, thorough training, and a willingness to address concerns and adapt the system based on feedback. Overcoming these hurdles requires resilience, adaptability, and a relentless focus on fostering enhanced carrier collaboration retail.
Frequently Asked Questions for Carrier Relationship Coordinators
Navigating the complexities of dock management and carrier relations often brings up practical questions. Addressing these common queries can help Carrier Relationship Coordinators refine their strategies and improve their effectiveness.
How can we improve communication with carriers who are frequently late?
Improving communication with carriers who exhibit patterns of tardiness requires a proactive and collaborative approach rather than a purely punitive one. 1. Data-Driven Dialogue: First, ensure you have accurate data tracking their arrival times versus scheduled appointments. Approach the carrier with this data, not as an accusation, but as a starting point for a discussion. 2. Understand Root Causes: Seek to understand why they are frequently late. Are there specific routes, times of day, or upstream delays (e.g., at their previous pickup) contributing to the problem? 3. Collaborative Solutions: Work with them to find solutions. This might involve adjusting their standard appointment times to more realistic slots, exploring alternative routing, or improving the accuracy of their estimated arrival times. 4. Reinforce Expectations: Clearly reiterate your facility’s policies on late arrivals and the impact their lateness has on your operations and potentially other carriers. 5. Utilize Technology: Ensure they are effectively using your predictable dock appointments system for scheduling and receiving updates. Some systems can provide real-time ETAs which can help anticipate lateness. A consistent, fair, and communicative approach is key to improving punctuality with carriers and strengthening the overall relationship.
What’s the best way to handle last-minute appointment requests or cancellations?
Last-minute appointment requests or cancellations are disruptive but inevitable. The key is to have clear policies and flexible processes. 1. Defined Policy: Establish a clear policy regarding cut-off times for cancellations and how last-minute requests will be handled (e.g., “best effort basis,” potential for delays, specific contact person). Communicate this policy to all carriers. 2. Utilize a Flexible System: A robust retail dock scheduler can help. If a slot opens due to a cancellation, the system might make it visible for another carrier to book, or allow you to quickly reassign it. For requests, it can show true availability. 3. Prioritization: If you have limited flexibility, prioritize based on factors like freight urgency, strategic importance of the carrier/supplier, or impact on operations. 4. Communication: Communicate clearly and promptly with the carrier about whether their request can be accommodated and what to expect. If a cancellation occurs from your end due to unforeseen circumstances, provide as much notice as possible and assist in rescheduling. This balanced approach helps manage expectations and maintain enhanced carrier collaboration retail even when plans change.
How can technology help smaller retail operations improve carrier relations?
Smaller retail operations might feel advanced dock management technology is out of reach, but many scalable solutions can offer significant benefits without massive investment. 1. Affordable Scheduling Tools: Cloud-based retail dock scheduler for carriers options are often available on a subscription basis, making them accessible. These provide a predictable dock appointments system, reducing phone calls and manual errors, which carriers appreciate. 2. Improved Communication: Even simple automated email/SMS notifications for appointment confirmations and reminders, often part of these schedulers, enhance professionalism and reduce no-shows or misunderstandings. This directly supports a better supplier communication strategy. 3. Efficiency Gains: By streamlining the appointment process, even small teams can handle more volume with less stress, leading to quicker turnaround times for carriers at the dock. 4. Data Insights: Basic reporting features can help identify patterns in carrier arrivals or dock usage, enabling even small operators to make data-informed decisions for improving retail carrier relations. Technology levels the playing field, allowing smaller operations to offer a more organized and carrier-friendly experience.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when implementing a new dock scheduling system?
Implementing a new dock scheduling system can transform operations, but pitfalls exist. 1. Lack of Carrier Onboarding/Training: Simply launching a system and expecting carriers to adapt seamlessly is a mistake. Provide clear instructions, training materials, and support as they learn the new efficient supplier dock booking process. 2. Insufficient Internal Training: Warehouse staff, security, and anyone interacting with the system or carriers need to be thoroughly trained on its use and the new procedures. 3. Overly Rigid Configuration: While rules are important, configuring the system so rigidly that it allows no flexibility for genuine exceptions can frustrate carriers and internal users. 4. Poor Communication of Benefits: Fail to clearly articulate to both carriers and internal teams why the change is being made and what the benefits are (e.g., reduced wait times, better planning). 5. Not Seeking Feedback Post-Launch: Implementation is not the end. Continuously solicit feedback from carriers and internal users to identify pain points and areas for refinement in your predictable dock appointments system. Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smoother transition and maximizes the benefits of the new system.
How do we measure the ROI of investing in better dock management for carrier relations?
Measuring the ROI of investments in better dock management, including tools like a retail dock scheduler, involves looking at both quantitative and qualitative benefits. 1. Reduced Detention/Demurrage Costs: Track any reduction in fees paid to carriers for excessive wait times. This is a direct cost saving. 2. Improved Labor Efficiency: Quantify time saved by warehouse staff due to smoother scheduling, reduced congestion, and better planning, allowing them to be reallocated to other value-added tasks. 3. Increased Dock Throughput: Measure if more trucks can be processed per dock door per day, potentially delaying the need for expensive facility expansion. 4. Improved Carrier Schedule Adherence: While not a direct dollar saving, higher adherence leads to more predictable operations, reducing overtime and rush processing costs. 5. Enhanced Carrier Relationships (Qualitative leading to Quantitative): Stronger relationships can lead to better rates during contract negotiations, prioritized capacity during peak seasons (avoiding premium spot market rates), and reduced carrier churn (lowering costs associated with finding and onboarding new carriers). Survey carriers to gauge satisfaction improvements. By tracking these metrics, you can build a strong case for the positive financial and operational impact of improving retail carrier relations through effective dock management.
Conclusion: Forging Stronger Bonds Through Dock Excellence
The journey towards improving retail carrier relations is multifaceted, but it undeniably begins and ends with operational excellence, particularly at the warehouse dock. For Carrier Relationship Coordinators, mastering effective dock management is not merely an operational task; it is a strategic imperative. By providing a clear, predictable, and efficient system for carriers and suppliers to book and manage dock appointments, coordinators directly address carrier pain points, foster trust, and cultivate an environment ripe for enhanced carrier collaboration retail. The resulting improvements in Carrier Schedule Adherence Rate are a testament to a system that respects carrier time and streamlines processes for mutual benefit.
As we’ve explored, the path to stronger partnerships is paved with proactive communication, a deep understanding of carrier needs, the strategic use of tools like a retail dock scheduler, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By focusing on creating a “shipper of choice” experience through superior dock operations, Carrier Relationship Coordinators can transform transactional encounters into lasting, valuable alliances. This not only smooths daily operations and boosts key performance indicators but also significantly enhances the coordinator’s professional impact and contribution to the overall success of the retail enterprise. The power to unlock these stronger partnerships lies in recognizing the dock as more than just a point of transfer, but as a crucial interface for building bridges with your vital transportation partners.
What are your biggest challenges in managing carrier appointments and relations? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below – let’s learn from each other!