In the weeks immediately following, several staff members also depart to go work for that manager at another dealership? Does it shock you when a Manager leaves and not a soul follows?

Many believe the reason for this is the proverbial "Greener Grass" picture that we assume the Manager paints for your staff. In some cases this is true; however, realistically you only lose the bottom end of your staff to the "Greener Grass" theory. You lose the top end of your staff, who don?t fall for the "Greener Grass" story for a different more serious reason.

They followed a leader.

"True leaders are not those who strive to be first but those who are first to strive and who give their all for the success of the team. True leaders are first to see the need, envision the plan, and empower the team for action. By the strength of the leader's commitment, the power of the team is unleashed."

Our business, like any other, is made up of both Leaders and Followers. When true leaders are found, or better yet, stand up and lead, those who are followers will follow them anywhere. People want to be led and they crave direction. And in the absence of a leader, they stumble around and bump into each other, and make little or no progress.

Slapping a "Manager" title on the next most senior employee does not a leader make. It is the actions and core beliefs of that individual that will inspire the team.

Don't blame the previous Manager for "stealing" your top performers, rather blame yourself for having an operation devoid of ready-to-step-up leaders. And, if a Manager leaves and no one follows, you are not losing a leader because that person was never a leader in the first place.

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