Dealers Leaders: 10 Dealership Scrolls of Success

(Inspired by Og Mandino)

Author

Dealers Leaders
March 26, 2025

Dealers Leaders (snack sized and shareable!)

“The only difference between those who have failed and those who have succeeded lies in the difference of their habits.”
— Og Mandino

There are books that whisper to you... and books that grab you by the collar and say, “Hey—you. Change your life.”


Og Mandino’s The Greatest Salesman in the World is definitely the latter. And despite the title, this isn’t a book about sales tactics—it’s about How. To. Be. - in any career, in any industry, in any moment.

It’s also less than 120 pages and structured into 10 “scrolls” that each carry a powerful mindset or behavioral code. This book is so short and repeatable it should live on your desk or in your service manager’s top drawer—not your bookshelf.

Add it to your Info Diet

 “This book was seminal in my life. I wouldn’t be living the life I’m living if it didn’t find me.” – Matthew McConaughey

If you’re in sales, service, or management in a dealership, here’s how the scrolls apply to your world:

1. I Will Form Good Habits and Master Them

Consistency beats intensity.

In the dealership: Follow up with leads the same time each day. Begin every shift with an intention. Send that thank-you text. Track your closing ratio weekly. Repetition turns average reps into consistent closers.

2. I Will Greet This Day With Love in My Heart

Empathy builds trust faster than a low price.

In the dealership: Every grumpy guest is a stressed-out person who just wants to be heard. Treat them like your favorite uncle—except, you know, without the political rants.

3. I Will Persist Until I Succeed

The best salespeople aren’t the best closers—they’re the best follow-uppers.

In the dealership: That “no” is almost always a “not yet.” And even when it’s not? Shake it off. Rejection is part of your rent payment in this business.

4. I Am Nature’s Greatest Miracle

You don’t have to sell like the top dog—sell like you.

In the dealership: Your voice, your story, your way of relating to people is the differentiator. Don’t copy—be more of you…professionally.

5. I Will Live This Day As If It Is My Last

Today isn’t a warm-up. It’s the show.

In the dealership: Work like today determines whether or not you get tomorrow’s lead. Because in many ways—it does.

6. Today I Will Be Master of My Emotions

Emotion is a tool—not a leader.

In the dealership: Bad deal? Angry customer? Late part? Shake it off fast. Your tone sets the team. Your vibe sets the sale.

7. I Will Laugh at the World

Serious about results, not about yourself.

In the dealership: If we’re not laughing once a shift, we’re doing it wrong. Humor makes us human. And humans make sales.

8. Today I Will Multiply My Value a Hundredfold

Kaizen: small improvements, daily.

In the dealership: One better objection handling response today. One new closing line next week. One new walkaround idea. That’s how you stack unstoppable momentum.

9. I Will Act Now

If you’re not doing it now, you probably won’t.

In the dealership: Call them. Email them. Coach them. Meet them. Start that mini-training you’ve been putting off. Do it now or stop pretending it matters.

10. I Will Pray for Guidance

Success and humility should ride in the same car.

In the dealership: Whether you’re religious or not, this is about pausing for purpose. Why are you here? What are you really building? What legacy are you leaving behind?

Questions to Think About

  1. What’s one habit that could 10x your week if done daily?

  2. Which scroll speaks to your biggest current challenge?

  3. What’s stopping you from acting now—and how do you move anyway?

Action for the Week - Dept. Managers

  • Pick 1 scroll as a team focus this week.

  • Start each morning huddle by having one person share how they’re applying it.

  • Bonus: Get a few team members to buy the book. Let the scrolls do their work.

  • New Week - New Scroll…repeat

The Weekly Car Stoic

“You become what you give your attention to.” – Epictetus

Og Mandino would’ve made a great Stoic: habits, discipline, purpose. Choose your scroll, give it your focus—and become the kind of person who leads by example, sells with integrity, and never stops growing.

Thanks to the OG. Now go be your best version of a Dealer Leader!

free monthly newsletter OR be the smartest leader weekly for just $8.50 /mo