Automotive Training Network CEO Mark Gilbert points out that a solid staff is made up of people who can all step up to the plate and become a great leader should the need arise. Even if your dealership currently has the best manager or leader you can ask for, an employee will go through about 12 jobs in his lifetime.
The reality is you can never tell when employees will leave their posts. When that happens, you should be able to get someone from your staff to take on the leadership role. Your goal is to train your employees, especially those who have the most potential, to become great leaders from the beginning.
Here are four tips Mark Gilbert swears by:
1. Practice job shadowing. Identify the employees who show the most enthusiasm and engagement among your departments. Have them shadow your best employees or managers so that they get an idea of what it’s like to be a leader. This way, they’ll know what is expected of them in case they are asked to step into the role.
2. Create a dialogue with your team members. A crucial way to develop leadership in your team members is by giving them feedback. Make it a point to provide them with constructive criticism so that they are always steered towards doing their best.
3. Know what makes them tick. Learn about your team members’ aspirations and motivations. Mark Gilbert shares that one way to get them to be energetic and enthusiastic about the work they do is if their passions and skills are incorporated into their responsibilities.
4. Offer training opportunities. Some people may be born with natural leadership skills, traits, and personality. For others, these need to be dug out. A training program can bring out the leadership potential in an individual. Your team also benefits from workshops that provide practical instructions and valuable learning tools for their specific department.
Focus on developing your team’s leadership potential every day. You never know when you will need someone to step up and lead the way. If you want to know more about creating great leaders or if you want to learn more from Mark Gilbert, head over to the Automotive Training Network today.