Why many automotive Service Managers fail:

We work with a lot of dealerships — domestic, import and luxury — across the U.S. In doing so, we see trends. Here are six common reasons why automotive Service Managers fail.

Preferring comfort over challenges

Humans are wired to avoid pain; instead, they seek pleasure or safety. Automotive Service Managers are no exception. Instead of taking risks and making bold decisions, they often choose to stay in a protective mindset and worry about external factors beyond their control—future appointment volume, budget constraints, customer expectations, and more. This attitude, though, can hinder growth and prevent Managers from achieving their full potential as leaders.

Lack of leadership

Many automotive Service Managers are promoted based on their technical skills and reliability, and not their leadership abilities. They often lack vision, authority, and the charisma needed to inspire and motivate their teams. They may also focus too much on micromanaging tasks—gravitating back to the smaller stuff they use to manage—instead of developing lower level managers and fostering a sense of purpose and mission.

Relying on tribal knowledge

The automotive industry has a rich history, but it also has some unproductive patterns and outdated practices. Service Managers who rely on tribal knowledge may miss out on new ideas, technologies, and best practices that could help them improve their performance and customer experience.

Ignoring financials

Understanding the financial aspects of the business is crucial for any automotive Service Manager. Without a clear understanding of the numbers—such as effective labor rate, gross profit, and expenses—managers can’t make informed decisions or measure their success. Automotive Service Managers who neglect financials are like drivers without a steering wheel; they may end up going nowhere or in the wrong direction.

Neglecting technicians

Technicians are the backbone of any automotive service department. Without skilled and motivated technicians, the department cannot produce quality work and satisfy customers’ needs. Automotive Service Managers who spend little time recruiting, training, and engaging technicians often miss opportunities to improve productivity, morale, and retention.

Lacking boundaries

Finally, automotive Service Managers who lack boundaries may become overwhelmed and ineffective. They may try to do everything themselves, please everyone, and avoid conflicts or tough decisions. This often leads to burnout, low self-esteem, and missed opportunities. Successful automotive Service Managers set clear goals, delegate tasks, and prioritize their time and resources based on the business’s strategic objectives.

These aren’t the only reasons automotive Service Managers fail, but these are common. Stay tuned to read more about how Service Managers thrive.