Ever walk into the dealership in the morning and feel that slow-motion energy? People shuffling in, sipping coffee, staring at their screens, waiting for something to kick them into gear.

Then—something shifts.

Maybe it’s a manager calling out yesterday’s wins. Maybe it’s an MVP shoutout for someone who went above and beyond. Maybe it’s a fun, competitive challenge that gets people fired up.

Energy is contagious. The way you start the day sets the tone for how it will go.

I always tell leaders—recognition is one of your most powerful tools. People thrive on knowing their work matters. If you’re not celebrating wins, highlighting great performance, and making work fun, you’re missing an opportunity to build a culture where people actually want to succeed.

Something as simple as picking an MVP of the Day, handing out a small trophy, or posting a shoutout on social can shift the entire dynamic of your team. People see what’s being rewarded, they learn new strategies, and they push themselves to raise the bar.

At the end of the day, dealership life is fast, competitive, and high-pressure—but it should also be exciting, rewarding, and fun. When people feel valued, they give more. When you recognize effort, you inspire more of it.

So here’s the question—how are you celebrating your team today?

Dealer Talk with Jen Suzuki Podcast |[email protected] | 800-625-1590 | edealersolutions.com

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