It’s the 1% That Can Make or Break You
We all know a guy who can never find anything right with the world; some might even call him Mr. Grumpy Pants! No matter what, he always sees the downside: after a long winter, the sun is just too hot! It rains after a long drought, and he complains only about the lack of clear skies. You have seen him, and you may even have some similar traits.
Many shop owners have charted the same path through the industry: starting in the lube bays and working their way up to achieving master status. Eventually, they decide to launch out on their own and start a shop, maybe even buy one.
They tend to be great problem-finders and often focus on the 1% of what does not work. Unfortunately, here’s the issue: as a one percenter, you might miss the great things in your shop and consistently look for things to fix while ignoring what works well.
This trait makes for a stellar technician, but it misses the mark as the leader of service center.
Solving a car problem is simple compared to running a shop. Cars are logical: they don’t take sick days, have feelings or want to sue you if something goes wrong. They don’t want to take a “me” day. Like I said, they are easy to work with. Your mechanical mindset understood that the car is broken, it needs to be fixed and you can do it. DONE!
Some shop owners love the complexity of working with employees — I am one of them. Other owners, not so much. That is where the friction begins. Let’s look at five methods that I and many successful shop owners have used to become a better version of Mr. Grumpy Pants!
It’s Not All Sunshine and Rainbows
We all know that things happen, but just because they do, it doesn’t mean you always have to deal with them. It may seem like a cloudy day in the shop; remind yourself that behind the clouds, there are blue skies. Sometimes you can look past the issues at hand (which will always be present) and give yourself the ability to look to what is ahead.
Having your mind focused on what is ahead is crucial. Use foundational principles such as Steven Covey’s “Begin with the End in Mind.” Ask yourself, what is the primary destination of your “shop owner journey?” Define it and be laser-focused on the endpoint, no matter how far ahead, and it will give you the fortitude to push through the emotionally challenging days. The phrase, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” is more than just a cliche. It accurately describes the shop owner’s journey. Whether your destination is a few years or multiple decades away, take one day at a time.
The Trap of Being an Excellent Tech
At Shop Owner Coach, we work with many shop owners who have spent a lot of time in the bays and have achieved the level of a master technician. The challenge is often that they know how “it should be done” when it comes to repairing a vehicle and they’ve adopted a specific process that works – for them! Now, as owners, they need to rely on their team to take care of the services in the bays. My advice to you and our clients is this: we understand it is not easy to let go of the reins, but remind yourself of the ultimate purpose of being a shop owner. When you do, it becomes a lot easier to let the team do what they do best: service vehicles and work with your clients. Remember, you hired them to perform the tasks so you could focus on growing your organization.
It’s My Shop!
The “It’s my shop” mentality, in which a shop owner clings to total control and micromanages operations, can significantly hinder a shop’s performance and growth. Here’s why:
- Micromanagement Undermines Creativity: When employees feel restricted in their decision-making, it stifles innovation and can lead to a decline in morale.
- Prevents Employee Investment: By controlling every detail, owners risk making employees feel like mere hired hands rather than engaged team members. This can result in decreased motivation and productivity.
- Hinders Skill Development: When owners step in to handle tasks that employees are capable of managing, they are deprived of essential learning experiences and growth opportunities.
As a shop owner, you can unlock your team’s potential and improve operational efficiency, which will lead to sustainable growth and profitability.
How About a Praise Sandwich?
Feedback, constructive input and encouragement form the foundation of a praise/feedback sandwich. While many business owners struggle to offer praise, effective leaders understand the value of providing feedback and fostering employee connections.
Employees who strive to excel actively seek your input. They want to know how they’re performing and how they can best support your shop. As coaches, we’ve guided numerous shop owners to transition their mindset from that of business owners to leaders.
One valuable exercise we recommend is for the owner to spend a few minutes with each employee at the start of the day while walking the shop floor. This simple act builds connection, which is vital for a strong employee-employer relationship. During these interactions, take a moment to thank each employee for their specific contribution to the shop.
Communication Skills, Please!
Napoleon Bonaparte was widely regarded as a great communicator. He knew how to connect with his troops and articulate his vision, which inspired his troops and persuaded allies and adversaries alike. Communication was a cornerstone of his leadership and Napoleon demonstrated exceptional communication skills.
He made it a point to connect with his troops on a personal level during inspections and battles. This skill helped boost morale and fostered loyalty among his soldiers. He recalled a soldier’s prior service or heroic deeds, which made each one think he cared deeply about their contributions. As you improve your communication skills this year, you will find it easier to recognize and share with a team member what you appreciate about their work at your shop.
In a nutshell, transitioning from being primarily a problem-finder to becoming an effective leader involves a significant shift in mindset and approach. Instead of focusing excessively on the 1% that may be broken, a shop owner should prioritize guiding, empowering and inspiring their team while nurturing the business’s strengths.
Being a proactive leader will alleviate stress and cultivate a positive and empowered team, contributing to the shop’s success. This stress reduction can serve as both a relief and a motivator for adopting proactive leadership.
Concentrate on building practical systems, developing your team and driving long-term success, rather than fixating on minor imperfections.