I recently joined a team with a diverse range of expertise for a brainstorming session on a very current issue: the shortage of new technical talent. Even if we could come up with the miracle solution, it would probably take a decade before we began seeing its impact across the industry. 

It may therefore be useful to look at the problem from a different perspective. If a shop is short on technicians, it essentially means that it is unable to complete the work it has committed to with its current team. 

Are we truly short-staffed? Is the technician team productive enough? Or have we simply taken on more work than the shop can handle? 

Who Does What? Who Is Responsible for What? 

My favourite motto is: the people at the counter take care of the customers, and the people in the shop take care of the customers’ vehicles. Mix the two, and you’re asking for trouble. 

Communication is often the first casualty. 

It is also important to identify the type of work your shop typically performs. Of course, there will always be unexpected issues, but let’s start by managing what can be anticipated. 

It Takes Data… 

One simple way to establish your shop’s profile is to ask your main supplier to break down your purchases from the past year by category. These percentages might help you better understand the importance of the various maintenance and repair segments within your business. 

To take the analysis further, ask for the same data on your supplier’s sales by category in your area so you can compare your business with your market. GURU also provides this type of analysis to shops using its program. 

What Are Our Technicians’ Strengths? 

There is another saying I like: “Jack of all trades, master of none.” 

Our technicians can generally perform many types of work, but do we really know where their strengths lie? Take the time to sit down with each team member. What kind of work do they enjoy most? Do they have the right equipment to work efficiently? What are their professional and personal goals for the next three years? 

The goal is to better understand the people on your team and determine how the business can help them achieve their ambitions. 

You may be surprised by their answers. You might have a future buyer for your shop right in front of you… or even a future co-owner of the shop you are hoping to acquire. 

If this topic interests you and you would like to continue the discussion, please feel free to contact us at: [email protected] 

Until then, food for thought!