Every mechanic has faced unsuccessful repairs, broken equipment, or cleaned up after someone else’s mistakes—it’s part of the job. The key is to foster accountability while maintaining confidence. Start by normalizing mistakes. Remind them that even the most experienced mechanics have learned the hard way. Share your own challenges or past missteps to show that growth comes from experience, not perfection. Encourage them to own their errors and focus on the lesson, not the failure. Walk through what went wrong, explain how to approach it differently, and highlight the progress they’re making. Reinforce that learning from these moments is what makes a great mechanic. You're not perfect, but you're a professional.

With POSITIVE and CONSTRUCTIVE feedback. Remember YOU were green once yourself. Be an encouraging mentor and show them what was done incorrectly and why and the right way to do the job...

When correcting a junior mechanic, begin by acknowledging their effort and positive aspects of their work. For example, say, "I see you’ve put in great effort here, and that’s commendable." Then, frame the correction as a learning opportunity: "There's one part we can refine to make it even better. Let me show you a trick that’s worked well for me." Demonstrate or explain the correct approach, ensuring they understand the reasoning behind it. Emphasize growth: "Everyone makes adjustments when learning; you're doing well." Finally, offer encouragement: "Keep at it—you’re progressing fast!" This approach fosters confidence while reinforcing skills.

Providing feedback to a junior mechanic can boost their skills and confidence when done right. Here's how to approach it: Start with positive reinforcement: Highlight what they did well to build confidence before addressing the issues. Be specific and clear: Explain the necessary corrections without being vague, so they understand exactly what to improve. Offer guidance and support: Show them how to fix the mistakes and encourage questions to foster learning. How do you give constructive feedback to junior team members? Share your strategies.