Tatum: Climbing Your Shop's Ranks Starts with Self Improvement

One of the biggest questions that managers get from technician today is, “How can I get better?” Whether they are asking this question in hopes of securing a promotion or maybe make a little more pay, the answer is usually the same and there are a few ways to take it. Let’s go over some of the insights that you can do to get noticed and get the answer that you want back.

As in any job, even if you have experience, learn the basics of what you are doing. Take the time to learn the procedures that your location goes through in servicing a car abd what tools you use. Think about ways to make it easier or faster. It’s going to be hard to ask for something if you have not taken the time to learn your responsibilities. In that same manner, make sure that you are engaged and performing that job to the best of your abilities. Limit mistakes, and keep things clean and organized. These will all help you get your job down the right way.

Another way to improve your standing: Practice, practice, practice. Every car is different. They have different filter and plug locations. They have different torque settings. The more comfortable that you get with each and every service that comes in, the faster and more valuable to the service process you can become. To improve, look to find a mentor in the shop who already knows these areas better than you. Pick their brains on what you may need to work on to excel.

Finally, never stop learning. With all the changes that keep coming to engine design and placement in vehicles, be proactive in getting ahead of those changes. Watch some videos online that dealers or shops send out for instruction. Reach out to the local parts stores about training opportunities. Many stores hold periodic training that is generally free to customers.

The answer to the question of “How can I get better?” is already in your own hands. Making the effort to improve yourself will stand out to these same managers and get you noticed. So, the next time they are asked who the next guy is, it just might be you.