Nowadays, when visiting a social media group or page for technicians, you undoubtedly will run into technicians who aren’t representing the industry in the greatest way.
(Technician quotes from TikTok and Reddit)
Negative comments like these aren’t helping anyone. They aren’t shining a good light on the industry or the profession… especially for future generations. Most of all, these comments are hurting technicians by taking away the professionalism they have earned (or are trying to earn) in their careers.
Merriam-Webster defines professionalism as, “The skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well.”
Let’s look at how technicians can benefit from professionalism.
3 Reasons Technicians Should Care About Professionalism
1. Earn More Respect
Technicians who are more prideful in their work, in and out of the shop, earn more respect from owners/managers, customers, and the public.
2. Increase Pay
When the public and customers respect the trade, they won’t question pricing as much. With this respect and understanding, shops and dealers can charge a door rate that allows them to pay technicians what they’re worth.
3. Attract New Technicians to the Industry
There’s a massive technician shortage. Attracting more technicians to the industry increases the amount of work a shop can take, improves technician production and efficiency, and leads to fewer comebacks. It’s a win for everyone.
How Technicians Can Increase Professionalism
1. Stop shit-talking about the industry online.
No career or industry is perfect. If you are having issues with your job or shop, address the issues in a private meeting with your manager instead of complaining on a discussion board or social media forum.
2. Represent yourself well.
Both in and out of the shop, invest in developing your soft skills, be friendly and positive, and take pride in what you do.
3. Advise youth.
Talk to high school students about careers in your industry or be a mentor. Remember the pressures you faced when you were their age (i.e., pressure to attend a 4-year college, how to find a job, etc.) and offer advice to help them succeed.
4. Do your part to educate the public.
If your customers are frustrated about their vehicle, it’s likely because they don’t understand. Take the time to break down the issue, the repair, and maintenance.
Professionalism = Successful Technician Careers
“Your level of professionalism can make or break your career,” Walker says. “Without it, you will never be taken seriously and you may even be looked over when it comes time to be considered for a promotion.” – Rasmussen University
The next time you have a bad day, before you go vent about it on social media, think about that raise you want, the technicians that will come after you, your career, and more. Being a technician isn’t an easy job, but it is worth it, and it can be a very lucrative career choice. Don’t mess up the progress of the automotive and diesel industries by being unprofessional.
