In the dynamic world of today’s workplaces, the concept of having a team that seamlessly aligns with your goals is often underestimated. Fostering cohesiveness and inclusivity within your team is essential and a powerful strategy for departmental improvement. A prime example of this lies in the longstanding tradition within the restaurant industry-the pre-shift meeting, or as I prefer to call it, the morning huddle.
Picture this: a meeting that sets the tone for a day of productivity, where the agenda isn’t a mere checklist but a road map for success. This is the essence of the morning huddle, a practice that can significantly enhance your team’s output.
As a leader, I initially followed the conventional routes of separate meetings for different roles-morning advisor meetings twice a week and monthly tech meetings on the first and third Thursdays. It seemd like the right approach, as my teams consistently ranked at the top. However, a crucial shift occurred after a conversation with my general manager.
“Why not meet with all the staff? Aren’t you all a team?” he casually asked. This simple question revolutionized my approach to productivity. If the restaurant industry, with its similarities to fixed operations, found value in collective meetings, why couldn’t we?
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION
The morning huddle became the cornerstone of our daily routine. Brief, focused meetings involving advisors, cashiers, parts, porters, and techs were conducted before the doors opened, lasting up to 15 minutes. It was not about long-range planning but about gearing up for a successful day. Choosing the shop as our meeting point, the central hub of all departments, ensured accessibility and comfort for the technicians, the engine of our daily operations.
THE AGENDA: SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS
To streamline our workflow, a copy of the day’s schedule became the backbone of our morning meetings. This crucial document outlined specific tasks, including diagnostics, suspensions, diesel, or EV work, ensuring that both items and the team were adequately prepared. Reviewing the day’s agenda, appointments, and assigned tasks created a daily flow. Technicians knew what to expect, advisors were armed with relevant client information, and the Parts Department had all the necessary components.
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY
Attendance was a key focus during the huddle. Tracking early departures or late arrivals allowed us to address any scheduling issues proactively. Addressing unforeseen real-time challenges, such as delayed repairs or missing parts, became a hallmark of our morning routine. Reviewing technician hours gives a chance to celebrate wins and identify opportunities for continuous growth. Monthly goal reviews ensured alignment with departmental objectives, keeping the team laser-focused on targets.
BEYOND ROUTINE: AN INTEGRATED METHOD
The morning huddle transcends a routine meeting; it’s a comprehensive approach to viewing work process, fostering teamwork, and driving productivity. It empowers technicians to maximize their work hours, eliminating unnecessary questions, the Parts department waits and overlooked scheduled tasks.
In the fast-paced world of automotive services, unlocking productivity through the morning huddle, is a game-changer, propelling teams towards excellence with each passing day.
