Why Most Managers Plateau—and How to Break the Cycle in Your Dealership

Want to become the kind of leader people actually want to follow? Here’s the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.

If you're in automotive leadership—or honestly, any leadership—and you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your team isn’t performing at the level you know they're capable of… this episode is for you.

I’m flying solo this week and we’re digging deep into what I believe is the biggest difference-maker in today’s dealerships: transformational leadership at the manager level. I’m not talking about barking orders from the desk—I’m talking about building real influence, leveling up your ability to coach, and leading with a vision that inspires.

In this episode, I break down:

  • Why being a “position” leader is the lowest form of leadership (and why most managers unknowingly get stuck there)

  • John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership—and how to move from permission to production to people development

  • The real story of Johnny and Marty: how toxic mentorship shaped a dealership’s downfall

  • Why top salespeople often flop when they get promoted—and how to fix it

  • How to activate your team through powerful coaching, asking better questions, and building trust that drives results

  • The 5 elements of a high-performance environment that every manager should master

  • Plus, the four traits that every Level 4 Leader must develop (and how they tie back to ROI, retention, and culture)

Whether you’re aiming to be the GM, lead your team through uncertain times, or just get your people fired up again, this is the episode that shows you how to get there—without losing your soul (or your sanity).

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Glenn Pasch: Leadership Lessons to Fix Broken Dealership Systems