Podcast: Ratchet+Wrench Radio

Episode Title: The Impact of Servant Leadership

Karim Morsli, of Winkler Automotive, has a daily reminder posted in the shop that reads, “If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you.” Karim, who transitioned from a career in engineering and IT to owning an automotive repair shop, shares how the servant leadership style he adopted transformed his shop. He emphasizes that leading with empathy and understanding isn’t just about improving the shop’s environment; it’s about lifting the entire industry. By focusing on serving others, Karim believes that shop owners can retain skilled employees, avoid having to fix cars themselves, and ultimately create a positive, efficient workplace that benefits everyone.

Key Highlights

Quote 1: “Shop owners must stop underpaying and paying employees under the table.”

• Whoa, what a truth bomb. It honestly blew my mind. Paying employees fairly and transparently is not just a moral obligation but a practical necessity for the long-term health and success of the automotive industry. It supports workers' financial security, ensures accurate industry data, attracts new talent, and a fair and stable industry for everyone involved. 

Quote 2: "A selfless approach as a shop owner can change not just the shop, but the entire industry."

• When you put your employees and customers first, you create a culture of support and collaboration. This doesn’t just boost morale and productivity in your own shop; it sets a new standard for the entire industry. Happy employees provide better service, leading to satisfied customers and a thriving business. Over time, this selfless mindset can inspire other shop owners to follow suit, revolutionizing how the industry operates from the ground up.

Quote 3: "Empathy and understanding are core to effective servant leadership."

• Karim Morsli's definition of servant leadership focuses on a leadership philosophy where the primary goal of the leader is to serve others. There was a time in his first three years of ownership when he was left with only one of the original ownership’s technicians and accused of being too progressive. Fast forward to a decade later and his method of business is thriving, paving the way for standardizing institutional knowledge, leading with empathy, and focusing on the service of others. 

Stay tuned for more insights and keep driving forward! 🚗✨