PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. — There’s a saying that “fear is a great motivator,” but John Lusardi of The Ken Blanchard Companies would consider that an outdated line of thinking in today’s collision repair shop world. Lusardi prefers motivation to be derived from a combination of factors that help build a strong, supportive workforce and create a positive work environment.
Lusardi spoke about motivation during a workshop at the Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes 2013 Vision Conference in December. “Everything that comes out of my mouth as a business owner should be positive,” he told the group of more than 100 “A” shop attendees. “If I want to complain, I’m calling another business owner to complain. If you complain to your employees, you multiply (that complaint) by 10.”
The A-Plus Network Vision Group Conference combined a big-picture industry view with hands-on best practices sharing to support and educate Sherwin’s Vision Group members as they formulate 2014 business plans. The program was designed to help shop operators improve customer service, employee growth, insurance relationships, process refinement, productivity and profitability.
Lusardi led a discussion on “Optimal Motivation,” to help shop owners better relate to team members. One of the foremost adjustments bosses need to make is eliminating rash decisions and thinking through any changes they want to implement. When shop owners are unsure and haven’t thought through a situation, emotions rule, which can be problematic.
Leaders need to recognize three basic psychological needs within their employees — Autonomy, Relatedness and Competence — and understand those needs while relating to their workers.
- Autonomy – The ability to make choices and have a purpose.
- Relatedness – The need to care about others and be cared about, to contribute to something greater than ourselves.
- Competence – The need to feel effective at meeting everyday challenges and opportunities; demonstrate skill over time; and feel a sense of growth and flourishing.
“It all starts with you going through your head and saying, ‘What do I want to accomplish?” he said.
