The motor retail industry is failing to allow managers enough time for self-development which ultimately would help dealerships operate more effectively.

A study of line managers and senior executives in the industry by GMD People has found that time is perceived by managers as the biggest barrier to their own learning and development – more than four times as many cited this, rather than the costs incurred by the business.

“Long working hours are common in the retail automotive sector so lack of time for personal development is perhaps inevitable,” said Nigel Banister, director of GMD People, a business he has run with his wife Michelle since leaving his HR manager role at Volkswagen Group in 2001.

“However many managers may be caught in a ‘Catch 22’ situation. Lack of development prevents smarter working. This in turn reduces the time available for personal development during the working day.”

The finding is just one element of a detailed report which GMD is publishing at utomotive Management Live.

Banister is providing a free executive summary of GMD People’s research for dealers who visit the Executive Lounge at Automotive Management Live tomorrow (November 9), and can email the full report to those who request it.

“If 10% of your consumers perceive your learning and development offering to have little value and use, it is time for the relevant training and development managers to stop, think and undertake a thorough review of the methodology, content and promoted benefits of their development programmes and activities.”