14 KEYNOTES APRIL 2024 WWW.ALOA.ORG BUSINESS Shop and Life Administration Leadership Styles ADVERTORIAL BROUGHT TO YOU BY AUTOMOTIVE LOCKSMITHING Know Thy Key L ong gone are the days when your vehicle key was a simple machine-cut blade. Just like the vehicles that use them, the modern key is the antithesis of simple. Here’s a review of the latest key types. Smart/Proximity/Intelligent Key: This key contains a copper coil that transmits immobilizer and remote information to the vehicle when at a certain distance to the vehicle, unlocking the vehicle and enabling the driver to start the vehicle by pushbutton. Inside the smart key fob is an emergency bladed key that slides out and can be used to enter the vehicle; the key is inserted into a special slot to start the ignition. Digital Key: Today, app-based prod- ucts or digital keys are wildly popular and have gone beyond lock, unlock and remote start capabilities, now offering the ability to control cabin temperature and even create and share customized digital keys. These “keys” use a variety of technologies to work. The architecture of the digital key regulated under the standards of the Connectivity Consor- tium (CCC), an organization of automak- ers, cell phone and consumer electronics companies, uses “open state-of-the-art public key protocols, hardware-based key storage, and radio standards” to access and execute functions on the vehicle. 14 KEYNOTES APRIL 2024 WWW.ALOA.ORG my leadership style in my father’s role? There are several styles to choose from. An example could be one of a dictator, where everything is done “my way or the highway.” An alternative style could be where I get input from family members to make decisions collectively. This ap- proach makes every member feel they have input and are valued. This approach also applies to our workplace. We all want to have input in our futures. The opposite approach would be toeing the line and doing what we are told. Do not ask questions. This approach would be straightforward but not sustainable in today’s families and workplace. Sadly, in some ways, reminds me of my father’s style. I had to do what I was told, having no input. This, in turn, makes me want to do the opposite with my family and co-workers. My style of leadership re- quires improved listening skills. Having greater emotional intelligence does not hurt either. Kinder, More Understanding Style Is More Effective Using an authoritarian leadership style may yield results in the short term. We have seen this style of leadership mod- eled in countries’ ideologies. Using com- munism as an example, the authoritar- ian culture never yields great satisfaction by those who were ruled by it. I recently traveled to the Czech Republic, which at one time was part of the Soviet bloc. They had enough of communism and experienced change through the Velvet Revolution. In a matter of a couple of months, through peaceful means be- coming a democratic republic: one man with one vote determining their futures. My visit to Prague, Czech Republic, was amazing. The country is thriving and vibrant. The people I met took a lot of pride in where they worked and in the city where they live. Treating People With Respect When people are treated with respect, positive results occur. These results can win the trust and loyalty of employees. On the other hand, an authoritarian style of leadership can cause anxiety and fear. To be more effective in such situations, it is better to adopt a more empathetic and understanding approach. Instead of commanding employees, asking them to perform tasks can foster a more posi- tive and collaborative work environment. This approach nurtures teamwork, where members are encouraged to give their best rather than being pressured to suc- ceed under duress. What Statistics Say About Bad Leadership When managers consistently acknowl- edge good work done by employees, turn- over can be reduced by 31%, which saves employers thousands. Eight in 10 employ- ees seek a new job after only one dreadful day at work. Employee burnout is respon- sible for the loss of 50% of employees. How Can I Do My Part? We all have someone who has inspired us, whether a family member, political leader, friend or even a boss, past or pres- ent. In a confusing world, we can inspire others through the examples we set for ourselves. We should strive to become the kind of leader we want to follow. Steve Fryman, CRL, CAI, CISM, AFDI, is a second- generation locksmith with over 45 years of experience. He has been a business owner for 20 years and is currently working at Florida State Univer- sity as a key compliance manager. Steve is a subject matter expert in institutional shop management.
