Quantcast
Jump to content


High shop morale improves productivity

Joe Marconi
 Share

Recommended Posts

PAPShop Collaborator

PAPShop

Posted
Posted (edited)

Once a week, our shop owner takes one employee to lunch. It is on the schedule, and the employee picks the place. It is a great opportunity for the employee to vent and the owner to just get to know the employee.

Edited by PAPShop
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 4 weeks later...
weighit Enthusiast

weighit

Posted
Posted

Many years ago I was hired as the service manager of a Toyota dealership that had 7 techs. I was hired to replace the last fellow that could not get the sales number up after a couple of years. Things flat lined and even with the many additional sales of vehicles, the service department was stagnent. Did not take long to figure out the problem, one tech, actually the best tech in the shop that got many of the best jobs had the worst attitude of anyone I ever met. His being grumpy caused the other fellows to always be on guard and in my opinion they all held back. I told the owner I was going to let this fellow go, he was strongly against it as this was the star producer he said. I said you could have 6 star producers as opposed to just one. After a few months one day I did it, cut that guy loose. It was like the whole shop perked up the next morning, then I started getting all kinds of thank you's from the other techs, One fellow kept the whole shop down, sales went way up, production went up, employee pay checks improved and my checks really got good. Finally a few months after the change the owner came to me and said he had no idea that the one guy caused so much problem.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Available Subscriptions

    See all Subscription Plans

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

  • Similar Topics

    • nptrb
      Charity Scams Are A Spooky Threat To Your Small Business
      By nptrb

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • carmcapriotto
      Do You Have A No Culture, Culture In Your Business? [THA 399]
      By carmcapriotto
      Do you believe that every shop has a culture, whether intentional or not? Discover how to define your desired culture and lean into empowering leadership and personal development. This episode is packed with actionable insights and real-life stories to help you transform your shop’s culture from the ground up. Whether you’re struggling with high turnover or just want to create a more positive work environment, this discussion has something for everyone. Dave Schedin, CompuTrek Automotive Management Systems. Dave’s previous episodes HERE Maryann, Small Biz Vantage. Maryann’s previous episodes HERE. Rick White, President and Lead Coach for 180BIZ, Listen to Rick’s previous episodes HERE. [email protected] Show Notes
      Rick White on Culture (00:04:55) Rick White challenges the idea of "no culture," emphasizing intentional versus unintentional culture. Maryann Croce on Defining Culture (00:06:59) Maryann Croce discusses the importance of defining desired culture for employee engagement and customer perception. Discussion on Culture's Impact (00:11:53) The panel discusses how culture affects profitability, sustainability, and enjoyment in the workplace. Unethical Practices and Culture (00:12:44) Carm emphasizes the connection between poor culture and unethical practices within a business. Personal Development (00:14:09) Dave discusses how personal development influences a shop owner's ability to cultivate a positive culture. Rick White on Wisdom vs. Knowledge (00:16:54) Rick contrasts knowledge and wisdom, stressing the importance of applying knowledge to create a strong culture. Poor Culture Indicators (00:17:55) Discussion on signs of a poor workplace culture, including low morale and unsafe environments. Lack of Trust and Engagement (00:18:35) Exploration of how absence of trust leads to employee disengagement and its negative impact. Leadership and Growth (00:19:07) Importance of strong leadership for shop success and personal investment in leadership development. Business Ownership Realities (00:24:02) Reflections on the challenges of business ownership and the unexpected demands it brings. Hope and Future Potential (00:27:19) Emphasizing the need for hope and setting high goals to maintain motivation in business. Cultural Shifts and Coaching (00:30:38) Encouragement for gradual cultural improvements and the importance of seeking guidance from coaches. Core Culture Ingredients (00:33:17) Identifying key elements of a positive culture, including leadership behavior and employee recognition. Understanding Culture (00:37:00) Discussion on the significance of culture in a shop and the difficulty of addressing toxic behaviors. Toxic Employees and Culture (00:37:37) Rick shares experiences with toxic employees and how their negative impact can be mitigated. Firing Toxic Behavior (00:38:41) Dave narrates a tough conversation where he separates an employee's behavior from their identity. Difficult Conversations (00:41:06) The importance of having tough conversations to maintain a positive workplace culture is discussed. Burnout and Culture (00:42:46) The effects of burnout on shop owners and the necessity of a supportive culture are highlighted. Culture Change in Teams (00:46:45) The need for team members to see themselves as part of a whole is emphasized through a TV show example.
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections                      
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • carmcapriotto
      Key KPI: Productivity & Efficiency [E136] - Business By The Numbers
      By carmcapriotto
      In this episode of Business by the Numbers, host Hunt Demarest, CPA, dives into the critical role that productivity and efficiency play in the profitability of auto repair shops. Using real-world examples, Hunt explains the differences between these two metrics and how shop owners can leverage them to drive business success
      Productivity vs. Efficiency: Learn the key differences between productivity (work produced) and efficiency (how well time is used) and why both matter for your shop’s performance. Why Higher Efficiency Doesn’t Always Mean Higher Productivity: Discover why a 100% efficient technician may not always be productive and how to balance these metrics. Flat-Rate vs. Hourly Pay: Hunt explains the pros and cons of each pay structure and how they impact technician performance and shop profitability. Real-Life Example of Pay Impact: See how a shop owner improved profitability by hiring a higher-paid technician who produced more billable hours, leading to a dramatic increase in gross profit. How to Measure Productivity in Your Shop: Practical tips on using your shop management software to track productivity and efficiency and optimize your team’s output.  
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
       
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop   
      The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
       
      Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.
      Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.
      Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.
      The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
      The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.
      Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • nptrb
      How to Engage Your Team in the Year-End Review Process
      By nptrb

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • Fast Free Shipping on All Orders Over $50
    • carmcapriotto
      Human Connections: Mastering Soft Skills in the Modern Workplace [THA 398]
      By carmcapriotto
      In this episode, Carm Capriotto brings insights into the critical role of soft skills in the automotive industry. The discussion centers around the importance of communication, empathy, and active listening in fostering better customer relationships and enhancing team dynamics. Perfect for business owners, service advisors, and automotive professionals looking to elevate their operations. Prioritize the development of soft skills within your team, and watch as your business thrives in a more supportive and cohesive environment. Darrin Barney, President, Elite Worldwide, Barney Brother’s Off-Road and Repair, Grand Junction, CO. Darrin’s previous episodes HERE Rachel Spencer, Spencer’s Auto Repair, Krum Texas. Listen to her other episodes HERE Bill Snow, VP of Franchise Development and Operations, Rad Air. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes
      Upcoming Events (00:02:35) Darrin shares details about the "Fly with the Eagles" training course and the "Ignite" event in Dallas. https://eliteworldwide.com/events/ Discussion on Soft Skills Gap (00:04:13) A gap in soft skills among students and the need for professional interaction training. Rachel on Communication (00:05:24) Rachel discusses various forms of communication and the importance of closing the expectation gap. Three-Second Rule (00:06:41) Darrin explains the "three-second rule" to improve listening and processing during conversations. Toastmasters and Public Speaking (00:09:23) Carm shares insights about Toastmasters and its benefits for improving communication skills. https://rrtm.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html Empathy as a Soft Skill (00:10:07) Rachel defines empathy and its importance in effective communication and team dynamics. Sympathy vs. Empathy (00:11:25) Darrin contrasts sympathy and empathy, highlighting the need for understanding in service roles. Teaching Empathy (00:12:25) Rachel discusses modeling empathy for employees and children, emphasizing active listening. Fix My Ride Program (00:13:11) Rachel shares a program that fosters empathy by helping those unable to fix their cars. Empathy in Leadership (00:15:05) Bill discusses the importance of empathy in decision-making and its effects on team dynamics. Eye Contact as a Soft Skill (00:15:50) Darrin underscores the significance of maintaining eye contact in communication, especially in the digital age. The Uncomfortable Nature of Eye Contact (00:18:46) Discussion on the discomfort associated with maintaining eye contact in conversations. Generational Communication Differences (00:19:11) Exploration of how younger generations prefer texting over direct communication. Getting Comfortable with Discomfort (00:19:45) Encouragement to embrace discomfort for personal growth and better communication. Managing Phone Distractions (00:22:50) Discussion on the necessity of managing phone usage and distractions in educational settings. Understanding Personality Traits (00:25:05) Exploration of using DISC assessments to understand team members' communication styles. Communication Styles and Team Dynamics (00:29:40) Discussion on addressing communication deficiencies within teams through assessments. Empathy in Team Dynamics (00:30:44) Discussion on feeling disconnected within a team and the importance of being human and empathetic. Learning Conflict Resolution (00:33:35) Exploring how empathy and listening skills aid in resolving conflicts with customers. Implementing Soft Skills in Huddles (00:34:42) The suggestion to integrate soft skills discussions into regular team meetings for continuous learning. Coin System for Team Morale (00:36:10) Introducing a coin system to encourage team recognition and boost morale through peer acknowledgment. Setting an Example as Leaders (00:37:01) The importance of managers modeling empathy and positive behavior for their teams. Teaching Problem-Solving Skills (00:38:06) Emphasizing the need for employees to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. The Value of 'Think Time' (00:40:01) Discussing the significance of setting aside time for reflection and planning to enhance business growth. Empowering Employees (00:43:39) Encouraging leaders to empower their teams to make decisions and learn from mistakes.
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections                      
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Similar Tagged Content

  •
    nptrb

    Tax Season Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,930 views
    nptrb

    Understanding S-Corp Distributions and Draws | Are They Taxable?

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 2,126 views
    nptrb

    Spring Clean Your Finances: 5 Steps Every Business Should Take

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    1 comment 1,934 views

  • Our Sponsors



Main Sections

More Sections

Discussion Forums

×
×
  • Create New...