Congrats! You just hired a top-notch tech! But not so fast. Now your job is to keep that great tech. There are lots of opportunities for a tech who is knowledgeable and smart. Just because they showed up that first day, doesn’t mean they will stay put. As the owner, it’s your responsibility to grow your shop culture to one which employees know they are appreciated.
In the past I’ve talked about how to hire a good tech. But hiring a new employee is just half of the job. You need to ensure that your business is welcoming to a new team member, has ongoing training, and your pay scale is competitive, plus other key points—all with the goal of having a well-run shop with a crew that knows what they are doing and respects each other.
Your team members are the backbone of the operation, ensuring that cars are repaired correctly and efficiently. I’ll be mentioning a few tips on how to have a great shop culture and how that has an immediate effect on your team plus new team members.
The Value of a Great Technician
A skilled technician is an invaluable asset to any auto repair shop. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and technical skills essential for diagnosing and repairing a wide range of problems. A great tech is not only proficient with the latest diagnostic tools and repair techniques, but they also possess problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Their expertise directly impacts the quality of service, customer satisfaction, and the shop’s reputation—your reputation.
Beyond the Hire: Building a Strong Shop Culture
While hiring a great tech is terrific, growing a positive and productive shop culture is equally important. Here’s why your job is far from done and how you can build a culture that supports and enhances your team’s performance:
Creating a Supportive Environment
A great tech thrives in an environment that supports their growth and well-being. This starts with creating a culture that values collaboration and respect. Encourage team members to share their ideas. Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal get-togethers can foster a sense of team spirit at your shop.
Investing in Continuous Training
Our industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, tools, and techniques. To ensure that your techs stay ahead of the curve, invest in persistent training and professional development. This can include workshops, certifications, online courses, and hands-on training with the latest diagnostic equipment. The better trained your crew is the more they will feel that you, the owner, care about them as a person. Plus, they will perform their job better. A win-win!
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. They are the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan, former US president
Providing the Right Tools and Resources
A great tech needs the right tools and resources to perform their job effectively. Ensure that your shop is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, repair equipment, and technology. Regularly assess and update your inventory to keep up with industry standards. Having the right tools at their disposal not only enhances the quality of work but also boosts morale and productivity.
A Culture of Accountability
Accountability is key to maintaining high standards of service and performance. Set clear expectations, define roles and responsibilities, and establish performance goals. Regularly review and discuss performance with your techs, providing constructive feedback and recognition for their achievements. A culture of accountability encourages ownership, responsibility, and continuous improvement. Remember two things here. Recognizing great work publicly in your weekly or daily meetings is great, but if you need to have any unpleasant conversations about job performance, ALWAYS do that in private.
Promoting Work-Life Balance
Each of your team members are a part of your business, but they are also people with their own lives. By promoting a healthy work-life balance you are demonstrating that your shop culture is important to you. Providing adequate time off, supporting flexible work hours, or having a shop that’s open Monday to Friday—all of those show each employee that you recognize them as individuals.
Encouraging Team Building and Morale
A cohesive team is essential for a positive shop culture. Organize team-building activities, social events and recognition programs to boost morale and strengthen relationships among team members. Celebrating milestones, achievements and birthdays fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork. A motivated and engaged team is more likely to go the extra mile for customers and the shop’s success.
“Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They’re absolutely free and worth a fortune.” – Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart & Sam’s Club
The Long-Term Vision: Sustaining a Thriving Shop Culture
Building and maintaining a thriving shop culture is an ongoing job for the owner that requires vision, commitment, and adaptability. Here’s how you can sustain a successful shop culture in the long term:
Setting Clear Goals and Vision
Define a clear vision and set specific goals for your shop’s culture, performance, and customer service standards. Communicate these goals to your team, aligning everyone’s efforts towards a shared vision. Regularly review progress, celebrate milestones, and adjust strategies to stay on track. And if those strategies do change, be sure to communicate those changes to the team.
Fostering Innovation and Adaptability
Encourage a culture of innovation, where new ideas, feedback, and improvements are always welcomed. Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices. Don’t be afraid of change and fully consider any new approaches you learn about or that are suggested by your crew.
Building Strong Partnerships and Networks
Cultivate relationships with industry partners, suppliers, and local businesses. Networking with other professionals, attending industry events, and participating in trade associations or forums provide valuable insights, and opportunities for collaboration and may provide access to resources. Strong partnerships strengthen your shop’s reputation and growth prospects.
Investing in the Future
Continually invest in your team, your shop, and your technology. By investing in the future and being ahead of the curve, you’re creating a great shop culture. And I can’t say this enough - prioritize ongoing training. That good tech you hired wants to be a great tech. Encourage and support your team with the training they need to grow.
Create a culture of greatness. If you do that you are on your way to a stable and operational shop with a team you are proud of.
