DaChispa

I got a real demonstration of ‘the knowledge’ today. By that I mean a cab driver giving me the benefit of his expertise. As he was careful to explain, it isn’t about the ‘shortest’ route, but about the ‘quickest’ route and he then gave me a masterclass in expert decision making and how effective application of knowledge can save time and money. The obvious point was that he knows when there are road works or other delays and avoids them. Sometimes that means going in the opposite direction to save time. He also watches traffic ahead and around to foresee hold ups. I questioned him on a decision to take one road over another and he said ‘didn’t you see the lorry on the corner?’. I had, but I hadn’t realised the knock on effect that it had.
He told me it is a nightmare when you first start driving for a living because you spend all your time sitting in traffic. The first thing you learn is the main routes – and then you learn how to avoid them if necessary. Sounds like the template for any job induction to me.