Have you ever taken a minute to think about what your work team think of you?
For anyone in a leadership role, whether you're a bodyshop owner, manager, foreman or supervisor – this is a critical question. Leadership is not just about directing work or making decisions; it’s also about understanding your own behaviour and how it influences those around you.
One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of effective leadership is self-awareness. 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. These are skills that are essential in a high-pressure, team-driven environment like a bodyshop.
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.
Understanding leadership style is another essential component. Psychologist Daniel Goleman identifies six leadership styles grounded in emotional intelligence: Authoritative, Coaching, Affiliative, Democratic, Pacesetting, and Coercive.
Each has a different effect on employee engagement and team dynamics. And while most leaders tend to favour one or two styles, the most effective ones are able to flex their approach to suit the situation and the individuals they lead.
Recognising your own default style, understanding its strengths and limitations, and learning how to adapt your approach is a skill worth developing. It begins with self-awareness and self-reflection.
To support leaders across the refinish industry, Axalta’s Drivus team is delivering a new Leadership training course designed to explore these critical areas. 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 the axalta website and click on the ‘drivus’ tab.