My challenge today.

As a trainer part of my job is as a motivator. There is a first time for everything that ever happens in your life. Yesterday was a first time for me to really face someone that was losing hope in my classroom. As I spent my typical day working on Attitude I did not notice the struggling individual that was in the group. As a matter of fact I would not have picked this individual as someone struggling. It is amazing how well we can hide our feelings and attitudes when we do not want to be seen. This individual looked polished, and ready to go. It was not until after the class was dismissed that I was about to learn more. I was about to find a new challenge. This individual moved slowly, almost reluctantly towards the door. As the last person left the room they approached me. What came next caught me off guard. The next few minutes were tough. This person described the struggles, how it has been wave after wave of frustration over the past few months. In what has been one of my biggest challenges I searched for the right thing to say. All I could do is go to the basics. It was time for an attitude check. As we sat back and talked for over an hour taking time to breath it came down to some basics. What are some of the positive things in your life? If everything was gone, what can you hold onto? Family, friends were first. That was a starting point. I then shared "The Secret", a book that I had been reviewing. If you have not read it, it talks about positive, laws of attraction. I ask that they review the book, to read some pages and get some footing and take some notes. I never saw that challenge coming. My hope is that finding footing is a great start. We discussed that everything did not happen overnight, and it would take time to set things right. But maybe, just maybe we have started to "right the ship". That is my wish for today. What would you have done?

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Comment by Steve Richards on March 16, 2014 at 8:59pm: My hat is off to you for making the time to counsel the individual in need. Wish there were more like you out there; especially among retail sales managers. My advice to EVERY sales team member I work with is to seek educational materials outside of the typical "automotive curriculum". The best sales ideas, strategies, and tactics aren't normally found in an automotive sales training manual. And too few trainers recognize that they should be motivators as well as educators. Good for you.

Comment by Pat Kirley on March 12, 2014 at 7:42pm: Timothy, I admire you taking the time to help this individual rather than finish and leave. That individual took the first step and admitted he needed help and you put him in the right direction. Too many dealerships now demand results and create unfriendly and hostile working environments. Staff fight management and vice versa, manufacturer have unrealistic expectations and offer incentives for the lastvweekmof a month that would have helped if they were availablle all month. It's a battleground, a good working environment and motivation is required but bullying is most often used. Let's make this a happy business again.

Comment by Mark Dubis on March 12, 2014 at 12:55pm: Tim, it was great that you took your time to listen. In our hectic, daily lives too often our managers and coworkers don't have time to listen to what we so desperately want or need to share with others. We are all facing some type of challenge in our lives, be it health issues, financial issues, self-esteem, bullying in the workplace, etc. etc. Many people are locked into their situations and working to make the best of bad situations. Any glimmer of hope, courtesy extended, guidance or support is most certainly appreciated.

We all need to put into practice Teddy Roosevelts words, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Comment by Ryan Easter on March 12, 2014 at 11:24am: Very nice message. Many people in our daily lives wear fronts as they go about their day. Finding and focusing on the positives is a very nice way to keep them on track.

Comment by Joelle Felice Paige on March 12, 2014 at 11:12am: That's amazing! I appreciate you sharing that - now you've helped more than just that individual.