In my experience over the past 38 years, very few actually do. Most fail miserably and leave the company. You’ve lost a great tech and demoralized a department.
However, every once in a while I do see a technician or installer become a great manager. They realize the skills that made them a great field employee are not the skills they need to manage those great employees, take care of customers, and profitably manage a department. They are willing to change, to learn, and eventually succeed.
It is difficult and lonely for a technician to become a manager at the same company. All of a sudden their friends aren’t friends any more. They have to manage, discipline, and train when necessary. They’ve lost their friends who they used to complain with. Now their friends complain about the new manager…him or her!
One of the questions I normally ask field employees who want to become managers is, “Are you willing to answer your phone 24/7?” If they are not, then they rarely are great managers.
A greater chance of success:
Excellent field personnel become field supervisors. Here they rely on their technical skills to help other field personnel solve technical problems. This they can become good at…and it isn’t as much of a change as the change to a manager.
Does a service manager need technical skills?
In my opinion, no…especially if there are field supervisors or senior technicians that junior technicians can rely on for help. Some of the best managers I’ve worked with are women – who have no field experience. However, they know how to talk with customers and field personnel to ensure that the department operates profitably. For some of you, this may be a paradigm shift in thinking.
What do you do if a field employee wants to become a manager?
Invest in two days of training at my field manager’s school. (Details are below). Over the years I’ve had many attendees who thought they wanted to be managers and realized it was not for them. In this case, you’ve saved a great field team member.
I’ve also had experienced and new managers who hone their skills and become phenomenal…as well as owners who want to support their managers.
Over the next few weeks I’ll give you some of the traits of a great field manager.
2025 In Person Class Schedule – Building Profit & Wealth
April 2-3, 2025 Jacksonville, FL
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Be Financially Healthy in 2025!
Every business, large and small, can benefit from taking a closer look at its numbers. We’re happy to do a quick review – showing you what appears to be good and some areas you might want to pay attention to. (This is where Financially Fit Business can help too). Click here for more information.
And, pass along this offer to your business friends and colleagues who could benefit from this review too!
Ruth King is well known as “The Profitability Master.” She is passionate about helping small business owners become profitable and stay profitable. For over 40 years she has coached, trained, and helped contractors and others achieve the business growth and goals they wanted to achieve.
Contact Ruth by emailing ruthking@hvacchannel.tv.
