Leadership 2.0 Blog Post: From Zero [Tolerance] to a Passionate 'Kick in the Pants' - aftermarketNews

Leadership 2.0 Blog Post: From Zero [Tolerance] to a Passionate ‘Kick in the Pants’

Glenn Schaefer, of CARQUEST Canada, is one of four Leadership 2.0 participants who will be blogging this week from Northwood University's campus in West Palm Beach, Fla. Members of the 2010-2011 class of the University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 program reconvened Sunday on the campus for nearly a full week of intensive learning, problem-solving and networking.

Contributed by Glenn Schaefer, D.C. Sales Manager, CARQUEST Canada Ltd., Rexdale, Ont.

Schaefer is one of four Leadership 2.0 participants who will be blogging this week from Northwood University’s campus in West Palm Beach, Fla. Members of the 2010-2011 class of the University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 program reconvened Sunday on the campus for nearly a full week of intensive learning, problem-solving and networking. This year’s class includes 27 professionals representing virtually every level of the aftermarket, including manufacturing, distribution, association management and vehicle service.

Pete Kornafel, vice chairman, CARQUEST Corp., was our guest speaker for our opening night dinner Sunday. I had the pleasure to meet Pete and his wife, Annie, before dinner and we had a very interesting conversation regarding OEM warranties and the cost to the organization down the road. Mr. Kornafel said most CEOs who launch long warranties aren’t with their company seven years later to deal with the costs and ramifications to the organization. He referenced Lee Iacocca’s run with Chrysler (7 years/100,000-mile warranty).

The most enjoyable, and educational, part of Mr. Kornafel’s talk covered underperforming employees. His advice to us was to take a zero-tolerance policy. In fact, chances are the rest of your co-workers will want to shake your hand for separating these individuals from your company. The next day, your organization will be stronger and you’ve probably even done that employee a favor, Kornafel pointed out.

Pete’s words have stuck in my mind since dinner Sunday night. Great advice!

Monday morning’s speaker was Dr. John Passante, president, Brenton Productions. Dr. Passante’s topic was “A Passion for Aftermarket Leadership.” He touched on the importance of the human aspect of leadership. Your team needs to get to know you so they know where you are coming from. It’s business, it’s not personal, but when you get right down to it a lot of what we do as leaders is personal. Hiring a person is personal, promoting someone is personal. Always keep the human aspect of leadership top of mind, he said. We have all the content we need; we have information overload (i.e. computers/the Internet). We need to focus on our people skills and the human element.

John challenged the class to write down what is important to us, both personal and professional. Then, he challenged us to determine how we are going to succeed. What will we do to improve ourselves? Take control of your destiny, he urged, take control of your career and personal life. Our days are controlled by other people – our boss, our customers, etc. Take the time to plan what you want to accomplish and hold yourself accountable every day. There are many distractions, so stay focused. This morning’s lesson – write it down and then take action!

John also spoke about the role of a leader as it pertains to motivation. Motivation is different from movement, he explained. To motivate a person you must involve that person and create an environment of teamwork. Treat your team like adults and they will respond better. He spoke about the “KITA” factor, or “Kick in the Ass.” This is a psychological kick in the pants, but today most employees do not respond to this method. He also spoke about trying to motivate employees by threatening. This just does not work in today’s workplace. Notice your people, recognize your people, compliment them on a job well done — this goes a long, long way. It takes 10 sincere compliments to make up for one criticism. Choose your motivational techniques wisely.
John’s statement says it all: Ability x motivation x support = PERFORMANCE.

John’s final analysis (which I totally agree with) is, “People are the answer.” At CARQUEST, store location is important, proper inventory is important, brand is important … but the right people will always make a store profitable!

John asked us to do five things every day:
1.    Learn
2.    Listen
3.    Laugh
4.    Love
5.    Let go (Forgive)

Sorry, Dr. Morgan: I would like to write about our awesome afternoon survival exercise, but the pool is calling my name! (And I scored poorly on the exercise.)

Stay tuned tomorrow for another insider perspective on this week’s Leadership 2.0 experience. For additional information regarding Leadership 2.0 and other University of the Aftermarket programs, visit www.universityoftheaftermarket.com.

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