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These are the basics I learned as a train dispatcher: 1. If you're unsure about something, stop! Go ask the chief. Ask questions of other dispatchers. Listen carefully. 2. Take the safe course always. The railroad will still be there tomorrow, but dead people don't come back to life. If your actions cause someone harm, you'll have to live with that the rest of your life. I can't emphasize this enough. 3. You can only do one thing at a time. If you lose concentration, slow down or stop until you get it back. 4. The easiest way for a dispatcher to get in trouble is with his mouth. The CTC, TWC, or DTC machine won't make mistakes, but YOU can override it and make a big one. Protect, then authorize. 5. When you're on the road, ask a lot of questions. Find out how train crews get paid: how many work events they're allowed under the basic contract, etc. Find out the sidings they don't like to stop in; the problem grade crossings, etc. 6. Treat everyone with respect and always be polite. 7. Never lose your cool. If you're frustrated, stop for a minute and cool off. 8. Don't be in a hurry to mark up. This is not a manhood thing. 9. It's not your railroad, it's theirs. If your chief tells you to do something you don't think is sensible, voice your concerns once only. If he doesn't budge, do what he tells you to do. You'll avoid a lot of frustration this way. 10. A lot of people find out the job is not for them. There's no shame in quitting. 11. Keep your train crews informed of what's going to happen to them next at all times. Happy train crews are your best friend. 12. Yardmasters, maintainers, and trainmasters have different priorities. Work with them and respect them, but don't let them run your main line for you. As you learn the job, you'll learn to develop a plan, how to anticipate things, how to think ahead. But that all comes later with experience.
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