How important is it for car dealers and their teams to have a growth mindset?

On the latest episode of Straight to the Point, host and automotive sales strategist Frank J. Lopes has a conversation with David Long, Executive General Manager of Hansel Automotive Group. Hansel has nine dealerships in the California market. Long is also the founder of “Pandemic of Positivity,” a movement with the vision of filling the world with more positivity, kindness, love, and compassion.

Lopes gets straight to the point by asking Long if teaching employees to have a growth mindset a necessity for car dealers today. Long replies by stating that it’s the responsibility of automotive leaders to instill a growth mindset in not only their employees but also the community around them. Car dealers can do so much to help people get more out of life. Long believes now is the best time to inspire team members, customers, and members of the community. 

Long references the famous philosophy introduced by legendary salesman Zig Ziglar, saying that car dealers who diligently work to meet the needs of others will ultimately get what they want in life. Long says it’s an incredible feeling to see team members make the transition from where they are in their careers to places they never dreamed they could reach.

Long then discusses why he starts his day by sorting through data at 5:00 a.m. Waking up early allows Long to focus on the analytics associated with the company, freeing up time for him to develop his team members when he arrives at the dealership. An early start also allows Long to reach a solid emotional state before he comes in contact with the people he influences. His influence can have a negative impact on his team if he arrives tired, angry, or impatient.

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