The age-old question of leadership styles is as relevant to a repair workshop as it is to any other business.
Authoritative, coaching, affiliative, democratic, pacesetting or coercive?
The answer on what is best lies in a degree of self-awareness and the ability to adapt the style to the situation and the individual .
That is the focus of Axalta’s Drivus new leadership program, beginning in September and aimed at allowing leaders to reflect on their style and build more effective leadership.
Axalta’s Drivus team say a key starting point is for anyone in a leadership role, bodyshop owner, manager, foreman or supervisor – to understand what the work team think of them.
“One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of effective leadership is self-awareness,” the course promotion notes.
“This refers to your ability to recognise your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses, manage your emotions, and understand your impact on others. Leaders who are self-aware are better equipped to build trust, communicate clearly, and lead with empathy.
“However, self-awareness doesn’t always come naturally. It requires conscious effort, reflection, and a willingness to seek feedback. Developing this skill means engaging in honest self-evaluation and being open to different perspectives. The aim is not just to understand how you think, but to grasp how your behaviour aligns with your values and how it’s perceived by your team.”
The curse aims to help participants understand default leadership styles, their strengths and limitations, and learning how to adapt the approach.
The program helps participants reflect on their personal leadership style, gain clarity on their impact, and build the confidence to lead more effectively.
For more information on the upcoming course, contact your local Axalta representative or visit axalta.au/drivus