Managers Meetings

Getting the most from your Managers Meetings

By Steve Emery

Most Dealers and Managers view meetings as something akin to visiting the Dentist. They time away from “work” and can range from boring to painful. If cancelling a Managers meeting actually pumps up your staff, perhaps its time to take a look at ways you can make them something to look forward to.

When should you have meetings? Dealerships vary from mandatory Daily meetings to only when the Dealer feels one is necessary. Forecasts and Pay Plans are normally monthly. So a weekly Managers check up seems about right. First thing in the morning may be convenient for the Dealer and Sales, but it’s the busiest time for Service. Starting with Lunch should have the least impact on all parts of the business, plus breaking bread can lighten the mood. One drawback with a Group Meeting is some Manager’s time is wasted listening to other Department‘s issues, while others get far less time than is needed to resolve issues. To solve this, try alternating weekly group meetings with individual Manager 1 on 1’s. Example:

All Managers meet on 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. On 2nd and 4th weeks, Dealer meets with individual Department Managers

Monday – New

Tuesday – Used

Wednesday – Service

Thursday – Parts

Friday – Office

Now that we have a more effective schedule, let’s take a look at a more effective agenda. Most Managers meetings have no agenda at all, which is like driving with no destination. Where there is an agenda, typically it’s a review of “the numbers”, which is like driving by only looking in the rear-view mirror. Your agenda should prompt the Management team to take action based on the numbers. Here are some key items to consider:

Asset Review. If we don’t manage the Assets, they turn into Expenses and Frozen Cash. Review each Manager’s aged Inventories and Receivables. What is their Action Plan to buy faster turning Inventory and turn it back into Cash...