Autonomous vehicles, car stores in shopping centres, changing customer attitudes to car buying, access to more data via the internet – these are some of the changes taking place in the Retail Motor Industry today. Change is difficult. We feel comfortable with the status quo and when this shifts, it can make people nervous. As leaders and managers, how we handle these changes will be critical to business success.
Here are some hints and tips for becoming more savvy in change management:
C = Communication: Regular and consistent communication before, during and after any change process is critical.
H = Help: Provide help and support to those affected by change – let people voice concerns. Keep an open-door policy and listen with genuine interest. Engagement is key.
A = Action: Be clear on the changes needed and have a clear plan of action to implement these. Embracing change and keeping a focused attitude will influence others to do the same.
N = New (not negative): Change is about transitioning to a new place. It needs people working together to achieve this – focus on the positive aspects and not the negatives.
G = Goal: As part of the preparation for change, be clear on the goal of the intended change. Ensure all key stakeholders are clear on this.
E = Expect the unexpected: You can have the most detailed plan about how a change will be implemented, but it is best to be ready for those unexpected situations. Resilience is key!
“I believe the auto industry will change more in the next five to 10 years than it has in the last 50”. Mary Barra, CEO General Motors.
Read the latest findings in our research survey report – Retail Automotive Management and Leadership – Now and in the Future.
