When your dealership implements projects or initiatives to improve productivity, improve CSI, or respond to industry dynamics, it requires changes. Regardless of oil embargos, high interest rates, product shortages or economic downturns, our industry has always been resilient due to our ability to institute change management in our businesses.

The following is merely a reminder of how to implement change management. To succeed, it must be intentional, structured, and employee focused.  If employees don’t embrace and learn a new way of working, the initiative will fail.

Change and disruption are hard on individuals and teams. To help overcome this, it’s important for critical tasks to take place:

1)      It requires alignment among all leaders including the possible preparation to address any negative impacts of the change.

2)     Explain the WHY clearly by how the change will impact the dealership’s long-term growth, profitability, and customer retention.

3)     Engage all employees with empathy acknowledging the challenges they may face with the changes. Use one-on-ones and where possible involve them in planning.

4)     Provide adequate training with a step-by-step format.

5)     Measure and track performance by making sure that the KPIs score boarded.

6)     Allow sufficient time to work through individual reactions and stumbling blocks.

7)     Acknowledge and recognize the team for their success in implementing the change.