Don't Get Complacent

As a manager, you face many different threats in today's economy - shrinking budgets, slowed consumer spending, loss of key staff, etc. But one of the biggest threats to your dealership that can often get overlooked is complacency. Complacency can come in many forms and at many levels of an organization, but it all leads to the same thing: decreased production, lack of accountability, and reduced revenues.

It can be felt on the front lines of the dealership with your sales team. Salespeople are the life-blood of the company. Because they deal directly with customers, they promote your brand more than any TV commercial or radio ad ever can. So when salespeople get complacent, they begin to represent your dealership in a negative light. Maybe it's as simple as showing up a few minutes late for a shift, pointing a customer somewhere instead of walking them to the location, or shutting down after meeting their sales goal even if there are a few days left in the month.

But complacency doesn't just affect salespeople. When managers become content with the status quo, it's even more detrimental. Managers are the ones who set the stage and guide the culture of a dealership - for better or worse. Complacent managers may not hold their team members accountable for their goals, responsibilities, and performance. They could be inconsistent or forgetful when it comes to deadlines. And they may not provide the proper training and support necessary for salespeople to succeed.

Don't let complacency take over your dealership. Deal with it early on, before it becomes the rule and not the exception.