“I can’t get my team onboard to do this…”

Uttering this phrase is a startling admission of the fact that you are not running the business; however, this doesn’t have to be a white flag. You can learn to fix this.

What can you do to correct this?

• First, look at how the changes you are making affect the current incentives that motivate your staff. Does the change make their ability to earn more difficult? You need to be aware of this beforehand. How does what you are asking benefit them?
• Make sure you have clear direction and goals for your staff to achieve. People like goals or targets, which allows them to work towards something and gives them a gauge to measure performance.
• Assess your culture. Do you have a staff that is being developed to reach their full potential? Do they understand that the bottom line is directly tied to their own individual success? Is the staff looking out for their own best interest or that of the business?
• Stick with your decisions and gain consensus! Ensure that you follow up on worthwhile changes. Your team is not likely to follow you into other decisions if you give up and reverse course.
• Remove the cancer. The behavior you tolerate is the behavior you cultivate. Anyone that has had to fire a person knows this is hard.
• Network with other shop owners. You’ll quickly find stories that encourage you through these harder choices.

The bottom line is this: If you are letting a non-stakeholder ruin your plans, you are letting them run and ruin your business.

While leadership skills are not a prerequisite to owning or operating an auto repair business, a lack of them can certainly be detrimental. Admitting you need support in this area is the most important step in a never-ending journey towards true leadership.

You can get your team on board to do this.