Quotes from guest, Mike Lucente. "Speed of the leader is the speed of the team", "Be more of a coach then a manager" and  "Unrelenting in your vision." 

In an insightful interview with Mike, a seasoned manager at Alabama's largest Kia dealership, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing team members' success and fostering an environment of continuous learning. With over 30 years of experience at the dealership and a history of achieving the prestigious President's Award, Mike believes that effective leadership requires a deep commitment and hard work, especially in today's fast-paced automotive landscape.

Mike notes that many of his team members are millennials and Gen Z, who joined during the challenging times of COVID-19. This shift has brought new energy to the dealership, and Mike is dedicated to ensuring that onboarding for both sales and Business Development Center (BDC) teams is consistent and thorough. He highlights the value of structured, process-driven training that every team member undergoes, reinforcing the importance of maintaining focus and adherence to established protocols.

Rebuilding the sales department and refining processes are critical objectives for Mike. He understands that training extends beyond video modules; it requires a hands-on approach where managers actively engage with their teams. "The speed of the leader is the speed of the team," he asserts, stressing that an interactive leadership style can significantly boost energy and enthusiasm within the team.

To facilitate collaboration, Mike champions a strong team concept that fosters interdependency between BDC and sales personnel. This synergy is vital to providing a seamless customer experience, ensuring that guests do not have to repeat their interests upon arrival, after already discussing them with the BDC.

Mike's approach to training is both consistent and interactive. He insists that when customer engagement falters, managers must step in immediately to guide the process. He advocates for managers' involvement in sales calls, particularly when complex customer questions arise, allowing BDC representatives and salespeople to observe and learn from the strategies employed.

By adopting a "you do one, I do one" training methodology, Mike cultivates a supportive environment where team members feel comfortable and empowered to improve. He underscores the importance of nurturing frontline skills through live sales calls, asserting that managers, with their wealth of experience, are ideally positioned to demonstrate effective techniques in real-time.

In Mike's perspective, the key to success lies in active involvement, continuous training, and fostering strong relationships within the team. His commitment to these principles not only enhances team cohesion but also drives the dealership's overall performance.

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

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