Characteristics of the Most Successful Leaders, Part 2
Great leaders recognize that the only way to be trusted is to be trustworthy. They are honest; they say what they mean and mean what they say. They deliver what they promise and if they mess up, they are fast to apologize and do everything possible to make it right.
Up in a Down Market: Training and Marketing When Things Slow Down
“Our overall strategy? Stay the course. Stay in your lane. Market to your customers. Full steam ahead. Walt Disney said it best when he said, ‘I’ve heard there’s going to be a recession. I’ve decided not to participate.’”
The Unexpected Future of the Dealership
The future can be a frightening place, especially for those not able, or willing, to adapt to changing realities and market conditions. While the auto sales industry has enjoyed several years of growth, change is on the horizon.
BDCs or Customer Engagement Center? It’s an Easy Decision From the Customer’s Point of View
Why do we make it so hard for consumers to buy cars? Today’s car shoppers want to know details about the potential transaction and many BDCs are simply not equipped and, in many cases, are not permitted to provide this information.
The Micromanager
Some very successful leaders use micromanagement strategies with new hires until they’re sure the person has the right skills, talents and behaviors to take on their duties. They know when to back away and loosen the tightrope of control. The problem, however, occurs if they don’t know when to stop.
Motive and Educate: What Your Team Needs From You as a Leader
No matter which vehicles you sell, what services you provide or how long you’ve been in business, your most valuable resource will always remain the same: your people. Those who make up your team will be your greatest asset or your greatest liability. As a leader, either of a team or of the entire company,
How Responsible Are You for KPI Scores?
Do you want 12 to 15 quality tickets with high KPI because they were able to give your clients the time and attention they deserve, or do you want a higher ticket count with mistakes and missed opportunities because they went into survival mode?
Five Steps to Improving Video
Use videos to display the automobiles being sold in new locations, away from the dealership and buildings associated with all the negative aspects of buying a car.
Using the Deming Wheel to Drive CPI and Used Car Profits
When I helped develop workflow models for Hewlett-Packard systems years ago, we applied the Deming Wheel to our efforts. I submit that you should consider applying it to your dealership operations as well. What this device describes and encourages is fundamental to any continuous process improvement (CPI) effort to make your dealership more profitable. Precisely
Are We Entering a Chatbot Revolution?
The Internet is both a fantastic and frightening place. Information and choice overload dominate our hyper-connected lives, and most times we need a little help in navigating the online world from actual people. Live chat has quickly saturated the market and is no longer a commodity — it’s a necessity. Live chat evolved quickly in
Leadership Legacies: Why Great Leaders Mentor Instead of Manage
Put yourself in your team’s position for a second. Think about everyone you’ve worked for with the word “manager” or “director” in their title. Now think about those who have had the most significant impact on your professional and personal life.
Characteristics of the Most Successful Leaders
The greatest leaders are not solely interested in making a living; they are driven to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve. They are not just interested in success at work; they seek success in life.