One way to minimize inefficiencies in this highly-competitive industry is by ensuring all workers, from technicians to dealer principals, understand the importance of effective time management.
“With demands coming from so many different directions it is easy to get drawn into activity rather than actually controlling it yourself,” says Gary Collins of Mallory Management, a training and coaching consultancy firm.
“Structure is vital and, if developed correctly, gives plenty of flexibility for unforeseen events and proactivity. As individuals, members of staff need to be more assertive in ensuring that they control their day rather than allowing others to steal time.”
Bill Bennett, sales manager at Mercedes of Stafford, undertook time management coaching and tells AM that it was extremely liberating learning to say no and make time for himself after “25 years in the industry where I was taught to say yes to all demands”.
He says: “After I learnt how to empower myself to manage my time properly, I wondered what I’d actually been doing all those years. As well as affecting my own work, I realized how much it also affects my colleagues and my customers when I don’t prioritize my tasks.”
Bennett says that by talking through his day and how he approaches demands on his time, he can better understand how his work can be organized more effectively.
“I had to think about what I do, there wasn’t just a magic answer,” he says. “Most of my stress was caused by own shortcomings. By acknowledging this and tackling it, I realized I could do things better. Being one step ahead, rather than one behind, is good for our psyche.”
In the long-term, better time management can lead to lower costs for a business and higher revenue gains.
By undergoing such training, staff will also be able to work to the best of their abilities. “Whatever natural talent we have, training will develop that talent and maximize our performance,” says Collins.
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