Focus: Manager’s Troubleshooting Guide
MUST DO THIS WEEK:
- Watch the video “The Manager’s Troubleshooting Guide”. Yes, from beginning to end.
- Even if you’ve seen it before, it’s been a long time since you reviewed it. Let’s face it … there’s a lot to cover in this episode.
We all have problems that we face as Managers. Some of them are easy to solve. And, some of them just aren’t! Having strategies to follow for various common challenges will help you resolve problems and get on with hitting your sales targets.
Below, you’ll find a list of various activities, projects, reflections and discussions to have, all of which are designed to help you get better at leading your team.
From the list below, pick 2 to 3 items that you’ll commit to completing this week. Get started on them. And, be prepared to share your progress with your District Manager / Owner (you know they’ll be asking!).
Find the Problem … Find the Solution
For this task, the easy part is identifying a specific problem you’re having with staff in your store. The important part of the activity is to find a ‘partner’ to work through a solution with. Maybe it’s your DM, another member of your in-store management team or perhaps it’s another Store Manager. Find the time to discuss the problem and brainstorm ideas. Then, put those ideas into place and solve your problem. The benefits of sharing ideas are immense.
Keeping Productivity Levels Up When You’re Not There
It happens all the time … you leave the store and productivity drops! Conversion rates fall, sales dip and things just don’t get done as well as when you’re in the store. Review page 5 of the Workbook that comes with this episode, and watch the video from the 9:39 mark to the 11:25 mark. Then put together your plan of how you’ll get the staff prepared to succeed each time you leave the store this week.
That “Christmas Season” Problem
With the Christmas selling season comes great sales, great successes and … great problems. What was the one persistent staff challenge that caused you grief over the holiday selling season? The likelihood is great that it still exists in your store today. Build your plan to tackle the problem head on and get it resolved once and for all. Share your plan and results with your DM.
Pros / Cons
Get out a sheet of paper and list the names of your staff down the side. Now, label 2 columns next to each name. One is for ‘Pros’ and the other column is for ‘Cons’. In the Pros column, list the strengths of each individual. In the ‘Cons’ column, list the challenges you’re having with each person. Use this form to guide your recognition efforts, and also direct you to the problems you need to solve.
Fix the Relationships … Fix the Problems!
You know that you have very few problems with those employees you have a great relationship with. So, begin this task by identifying those employees where the relationship you have together is strained. Write them on a piece of paper, and rate the relationship from 1 to 10. Then, get to work on creating and implementing a plan to improve that relationship. It’s up to you.