The recent suspension of the University of Michigan’s head football coach, Jim Harbaugh, stirred conversations about the impact of losing a key leader.
His offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore,, stepped up and secured three consecutive victories in his absence.
This prompts me to ask a crucial question – what if you were to lose your head coach even if for just one day?
In the automotive business, your head coach could be likened to your Desk Manager, Sales Manager, GSM, GM, or owner-operator.
The importance of leadership, preparation, and team development cannot be overstated when it comes to maximizing your business on a daily basis.
The success of the University of Michigan’s football team in the absence of their head coach highlights the significance of preparation and team cohesion.
Much like a well-coached football team, a successful dealership should be capable of sustaining momentum even when a key manager is absent.
Michigan’s victories were not a stroke of luck but a testament to the meticulous preparation by the head coach. The coaching staff and players were ready to adapt, showcasing the depth of leadership and the resilience of a well-prepared team.
In the automotive business, when a key manager is out of the store, you will often see sales fall off.
Is there a culture of continuous development and coaching within the organization? Too often, the lack of success in a manager’s absence can be traced back to inadequate leadership rather than the competency of the stand-in.
Their role extends beyond day-to-day operations; they are the architects of a winning team. Effective leaders cultivate a culture of learning, adaptability, and accountability. When a key leader is absent, the dealership should seamlessly transition, drawing strength from the foundation laid by the head coach.
To ensure success in the absence of a key manager, a winning culture must be ingrained in the dealership’s DNA.
If there’s a breakdown in your store when a key player is out, you must ask yourself, is it that your “head coach” is concerned about job security and doesn’t want the assistants to learn but so much, or do you have the wrong assistants on your team?
Keep an eye on your head coach. That’s all I’m gonna say, Tommy