Auto Dealer Monthly, May 2015

TRAINING Globalization technology rampant regulation and fi erce competition at every turn have created an increasingly complicated work environment at most auto dealerships Th is is causing professionals at all levels from the service bay to the boardroom to fl ounder as they attempt to navigate the escalating complexities consistently perform at a high level and achieve upward career mobility As a direct result dealers and managers have less time than ever to spend coaching and mentoring employees or to benefi t from such guidance for their own professional gain In addition many younger workers are illequipped to navigate the gray area of dealership life specifi cally the environment and culture that manifests from the multifaceted challenges and forces every organization faces Th e result is a glut of entry level and newly entrenched professionals who are unprepared unequipped and unable to eff ectively communicate in a way that will productively impact their career in the auto retail space By Vivian Ciampi Corporate communication expert offers four tactics dealers and managers can use to effect real change in an increasingly complex workplace It is incumbent upon dealers to create a culture in which success and change is possible 20 AUTO DEALER MONTHLY MAY 2015 Th e fi rst step is to empower managers and staff to engage with an audience any audience with ease and intention Th ose who cannot will never realize their full potential nor attain a maximum measure of success With this in mind here are four tactical tips to help sales F I and service pros become more eff ective communicators and in doing so gain better control of their career trajectory 1 BECOME THE UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR Th e most valued and successful person in any business is the universal translator Th is person can translate facts fi gures and concepts into actionable ideas Th ose ideas must make sense and resonate with their bosses peers and subordinates In the dealership space the same rules apply to fresh ups returning customers agents and vendors A true universal translator should be able to Step out of their comfort zone or discipline Let go of any insider department lingo or technical terms and focus on the audience at hand Suggest specifi c ways others can move forward with the information relative to what is important to them and Present their vision plan or theory in a way that is clear crisp confi dent and above all actionable Universal translators are successful because they are able to translate complex or technical concepts into strategic steps that will impact the bottom line If others can understand relate to and rally around what you are presenting it is sure to yield winning results 2 MEET BEFORE YOU MEET When managers and prospective managers seek outside training they are oft en ISTOCKPHOTO COM FILOGRAPH 4 SECRET SKILLS OF SUCCESSFUL MANAGERS