Photo by Laurel and Michael Evans on Unsplash

As an auto repair shop owner, we are sure that you can understand the importance of a steady, well organized, and well educated team. However, the task of finding and mentoring the right talent is much more complex than ordering parts for a tune-up. But not to worry! That’s why we are here to guide you!

In this blog, we will share our expert insights on how you can build an exceptional auto repair team. Then, we will explain how you should guide your staff. If you ever need personalized help, just schedule an appointment with us here at You Net Results.

The Importance of a Strong Team

Before you dive into all of the steps needed to build your team, it is crucial that you know why a strong team is so vital for your auto repair shop. A skilled team will bring in the required skills that will grow customer satisfaction. In turn, that promotes a positive workplace. These factors directly impact your repair shop’s bottom line. Because of that, they make team building and mentorship non-negotiable parts of your business plan.

Recruitment: The Foundation of Your Team

The first step to building a strong team is to put the right team member in the right place. As much as you can, you will need to pay attention to the following items:

1. Identifying Core Competencies: List all of the technical skills, certifications, and soft skills that your staff need to run for your shop’s day to day operations.
2. Advertising: Use online job boards, social media, and industry contacts in order to reach potential hires. Ensure that your new job postings clear and concise when they explain the skills and experience that you seek.
3. Interview Process: During the interviews, assess the technical prowess and soft skills of each candidate. These include communication, teamwork, and problem solving abilities.

Training: Equip Your Auto Repair Shop Staff Members for Success

Have you sought out and then hired the perfect staff members for your company? Don’t stop there!  Go the extra mile, too. Provide your valued employees with the following perks:

1. Orientation: Give your new hires a review of your shop’s operations and its safety protocols. Make sure that they know your customer service expectations inside and out.
2. Skill Training: Use hands on training and mentorship programs. These will bridge any skills gaps that you may see in your new hires.
3. Continuous Learning: Encourage and help to set up some ongoing training programs. Other industry certifications and courses will help your staff as well.

Don’t neglect to fill up your How-To Manual with SOPs on each and every task you expect your staff to perform. Standard Operating Procedures are the key factors in helping your team members to grow and succeed! 

The Key to Retention? Mentor Your Team

Many employers often overlook mentoring staff. You should not, though. Your business will grow a lot, depending on how much improvement and growth your employees experience. To ensure this, you should embrace:

1. Pairing: Match the less experienced team members with your auto shop’s seasoned professionals for mentorship.
2. Scheduled Check-ins: Hold weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with each employee. During these meetings, order to discuss performance, concerns, and areas that need improvement.
3. Professional Development Plans: Work with your team members in order to create their personalized growth plans. This will involve setting doable milestones.

Team Building for Mentors: Beyond Skills and Tools

As you train, you should also make sure that you are fostering teamwork among your employees. To achieve this, you can use the following tools:

1. Team Meetings: Conduct regular meetings to address issues and celebrate wins.
2. Incentives: Offer bonuses, raises, and other incentives. These will help you to motivate and reward your valuable team members.
3. Work-Life Balance: Promote a wholesome work-life balance. This means offering both flexible schedules and paid time off to your staff.

How To Measure Your Success: KPIs for Your Team

Keep an eye on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as:

• Customer satisfaction ratings
• Average repair time
• Employee turnover rates
• Revenue generated per employee

These metrics will help you gauge the efficiency of your team building, as well as your  mentoring efforts.

The Next Steps to Build and Mentor Your Staff

Building and mentoring an top tier auto repair team is a long term investment. Still, there are so many rewards: happier employees, more satisfied customers, and a much healthier bottom line. At You Net Results, we all believe in empowering auto repair shop owners. We provide both the tools and the knowledge for you to excel at work.

Our coaching programs are designed in order to address your specific challenges. They will provide you with all the practical solutions to help you to achieve your business goals. When the landscape is as competitive as it is today, you can not afford to settle for a mid level team. Partner with us, so that you can make your staff your overall greatest asset!

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A good team morale directly impacts productivity, customer service, and retention!
How can I boost my shop’s morale?

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This week, we covered Time Management. How can you manage your personal time, as well as your professional schedule in the shop?