Suzuki Invests in Dealers of the Future
Posted on 14th March 2024
As part of their long-term vision for the network training programme, Suzuki GB inducted their dealer network into a personal development programme in November 2022, across both 4W and 2W divisions.
The course, named ‘Dealer Principals for the Future’, was designed for those individuals who have either recently been promoted to the ‘top job’, or hope to be given the opportunity in the next few years.
The course ran for 18-24 months and commenced in November 2022 with primarily web-based activities. This involved the completion of 12 modules covering the ‘soft skills’ of management through The Red Thread World Class Manager Programme 1. The cohort then went on to undertake their World Class Manager 2 learning, which moved them to the next level in their personal development journey.
All learning was supported with a series of online coaching hubs and several face-to-face gatherings for all those undertaking the courses.
The World Class Manager Programmes are not aimed specifically at the motor industry but cover all aspects of management development for middle to more senior leaders. They cover all of the core skills required for the development of current and future managers.
Suzuki DOTF - Cohort 1 Graduates with WCM1 Awards
Don’t just take our word for it, read what the Dealers of the Future Programme participants have to say:
“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to attend this course, to enable me to learn new skills and confirm that I am already understanding the management role. Freddie understands everyone individually and how to engage with us to get the best out of us. It has also been great to get together with other dealers. Thank you for a great course, I have learnt a lot about myself. Looking forward to the next one.”
“It has been a privilege to be a part of the WCM Programme, hosted by the Red Thread Partnership. Working with Freddie and his team has been thought provoking, insightful, mind changing and great fun! The work across the programme has given me the opportunity to vastly improve my skills with my team, and ultimately set me on my way to becoming a World Class Manager.”
“It has been a great experience, both from the material covered in the modules, and to have the opportunity to work with and discuss things with my peers in the network, who are all in similar positions in their businesses. Working through the online sessions between the Teams calls really makes you stop and think about what you are doing day to day, and where you can utilise the learnings to affect different outcomes. The topics covered have really helped to broaden my knowledge, make me think differently about situations, and I have already put a lot of this into practice – giving me better outcomes from staff reviews, presenting, and time management.”
“WCM course has enabled me to think and act more professionally in challenging situations. I have implemented the learning in my business and can see the benefit of it. Freddie and the Team have been a great support.”
William Blackshaw, Dealer Principal of family business Blackshaws Dealer Group had the following to say:
Having recently experienced a really challenging period within our business, I have, without realising it, found myself very focussed in attacking these scenarios with an extremely positive attitude.
I genuinely don’t believe I would have managed this, had it not been for the training provided over the past 18 months.
I just wanted to thank you for such excellent training. Thank you for your support and for helping me to develop the skills which are making a huge difference to my daily working life!
For more information about RTP's World Class Manager Programmes, please get in touch at admin@the-redthread.co.uk.
Tagged as: Car Dealer, Case Studies, Developing and Enriching Leaders, Future Leaders, Personal Development, Suzuki GB
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