Retail News - January/February 2008

letters from
our readers

ask a pro Managing Staff

I don’t have any management experience. Do you have any guidelines for managing staff?

GREAT EMPLOYEES BEGIN AND END WITH A GREAT MANAGER. IN MY OPINION, YOU SHOULD BE TRUSTWORTHY, FAIR AND APPROACHABLE. THE FOLLOWING 10 TIPS WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE THOSE QUALITIES.

_1.Schedule weekly staff meetings I recommend 25-minute meetings on Saturdays before the store opens. Talk about what’s expected of each employee that week, sales targets, in-store events, new products that are arriving and any changes in store policies or customer service procedures.

4. Ask for help Most
employees want to be
there for you. Ask them to
help you problem-solve and
you’ll be rewarded with
ingenuity and loyalty.

9. Share your goals Explain
and share your sales
targets and marketing goals.
If you can’t trust employees
with this information, find staff
members whom you can trust.

5. Admit when you’re wrong

Your staff will love you for it.

10. Continue to hone your
management style Never
stop reading or learning as
much as you can about being a
great leader.

A RETAIL NEWS EXCLUSIVE! FREE CONSULTATIONS WITH BARBARA CROWHURST Craving some one-on-one advice from our retail expert Barbara Crowhurst? Book a free 15-minute consultation with her today! During the upcoming Spring 2008 CGTA Gift Show, Barbara is offering complimentary consulting sessions. Retail News readers have the exclusive opportunity to book their sessions before the show begins. To reserve your spot, e-mail retailmakeovernewsletter@ barbaracrowhurst.com.

2. Meet with every employee
monthly Let employees
know how they’re doing by
openly talking about their
performance in monthly
meetings. Let them know
what’s expected of them and the
resources you can provide to
help them achieve those goals.

6. Build your team Do things with your employees –

even if it’s just you and another staff member – which build strong bonds. Evenings out are a great idea.

3. Recognize expertise and
support creativity Foster
your employee’s unique
abilities, whether they be
marketing savvy or
merchandising know-how.
Get them involved in all
aspects of your business.

7. Be yourself Don’t mould
yourself into somebody
you’re not. Decide what
management style works for
you and stick with it.

Barbara Crowhurst is a retail makeover specialist, business coach and trainer with an extensive background in retail business management, store design and merchandising. Telephone: (905) 686-8898 retailmakeovernewsletter@ barbaracrowhurst.com www.barbaracrowhurst.com

8. Set clear benchmarks

Let staff know what’s expected of them with detailed job descriptions. Asking employees to help create or clarify these descriptions is a great way to ensure buy-in and promote an open dialogue.