Take the game to the opposition

I was talking to a Store Manager the other day who had returned from an Area meeting of Stores and as usual, hated these events.

It wasn’t because attending showed theirs was a poor branch because they were top five of twenty five.

It was the constant false positioning of Managers and the Inability of the Area Manager to produce anything more interesting than “Policy”.

I understood such feelings and noted that many others lived for such occasions as an opportunity to exude prominence to their colleagues.

The reality is often that you cannot change these settings but it is important to recognise they can be influenced.

The central figure is the Area Manager.

Generally they will welcome feedback since their reputation is involved.

An Interesting idea to get more out of meetings may be welcomed since an Area Manager wants more from stores.

Interaction is good in a meeting and produces a level playing field.

Setting a task for an Individual or a Group to comment on creates “personal” involvement and soon reveals the better Managers.

Inviting constructive comments on subject’s benefits from a consensus view that an Area Manager might agree to try for a quarter.

Not to tap into the knowledge of Managers is limiting and downright foolish.

When everyone pulls the same way the overall outcome is beneficial.

People want to know how it’s going and so everyone wants to report good results.

Where twenty five stores are involved it’s good to think of it as the Premier League.

Each Manager has his own team and this is his primary responsibility.

Constantly higher results will see your team at the top of the league placings.

Just because someone else sees themselves as Manchester United and you as Wigan does not mean they are unbeatable.

The best Managers produce strong, talented teams, who on their day can compete with anyone.

How you organise and manage your team is seen in the results.

Winning involves strategy and tactics.

So act locally and think regionally to prove that you have something others lack through your consistency.

Some people talk a good game but those who play a good game become winners.

Never let others limit you.

Your training ground is your store.

Your game is serving your customers.

Play a good game and the attendances will be high.

Attendance produces revenues but you must always be on the top of your game to keep customers coming back.

Just remember...It’s a funny old game.