YOUR TEAM IS AFRAID TO SPEAK UP🤐

They are thirsty for growth and want to be challenged, but they can't tell you!

Oct 26, 2023

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As a senior retail leader, it's imperative to be in tune with their team's sentiments. Their voice will shed light on areas of improvement that can lead to better self-awareness, performance, empathy, motivation, and engagement.

Here's a breakdown of what teams want their leaders to know:

Fear of Speaking Up

Teams often feel hesitant to voice their opinions due to fear of retaliation or being overshadowed by a leader's strong persona.

As a leader, you need to remember:

Remember that Position Holds Weight: Leaders must recognize the weight their words carry. Speaking less and asking more can pave the way for open communication.

Encourage Feedback: Regularly solicit feedback and show genuine interest in the team's opinions. Once you receive the feedback - DO SOMETHING WITH IT! The best way to lose your team is to do nothing with the feedback they provide.

Handle Criticism Gracefully: Leaders should create a safe space where team members can express their views without fear of backlash. Demonstrating how to accept feedback and act on it is pivotal.

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They are thirsty for growth and want to be challenged

Teams want to grow, both personally and professionally. The feeling of being stagnant or underutilized can demotivate even the most enthusiastic team members.

We know that traditional leadership training with companies is severely lacking. As their leader, you can suggest podcasts, articles, and events that will add value to their leadership journey. leader you have to invest your time and resources into the development of your team.

Create Real Opportunities by providing Real Training. Retail companies please stop with the Home-Made career path mapping. The scenario goes like this, “First Steve you need to be in A role for 2 years, then B role for 1.2 years, and lastly C role for 1.7 years then if the ideal circumstances arise - you can get promoted.” This process is highly discouraging and ineffective and your leaders will leave.

Instead, provide your team with additional leadership training outside the regular company training programs. Programs that help them grow their approachability, communication, ability to take criticism, and how to deliver and receive feedback. These skills are invaluable for your team to learn now and for the next level of their leadership journey.

Challenge the Team: Leaders should set challenging goals that push team members out of their comfort zones, driving innovation and progress.

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Clarity and Decisiveness in Decision-Making

Even when the road is unclear you still need to be clear.

A lack of clear decision-making can lead to confusion, delays, and missed opportunities.

Be Transparent: Leaders should explain the rationale behind decisions, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Lean on Your Team: You've built a fantastic team, haven't you? They're not just employees; they're your close-knit retail family. Talk to them. They might see things from angles you haven't yet. And remember, sometimes the best insights come from the least likely places.

Embrace Humility: Being a leader doesn't mean you have all the answers. Saying I don’t know or admitting you're still learning? That's a strength, not a weakness. Obstacles and detours are part of our retail world. But with every little stumble, you become more resilient, adaptable, and, most importantly, human. That humility?

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Don’t Forget Your Stars: They Still Need You

Leaders, it almost becomes muscle memory for us to rush to the stores that aren’t making the cut. It’s like a reflex - a store underperforms, and we’re there, troubleshooting, analyzing, and strategizing. And while this reactive approach is essential, we inadvertently are sidelining our star performers.

I had a store manager named Sean. He was a rock star, full of energy, and always on top of his game. He managed one of our best-performing stores, crushing corporate visits and on a fast track to get promoted.

But one day, over a casual coffee chat, Sean mentioned something that struck a chord. “I miss our strategy sessions.” He said, “Steve, just because I’m doing well doesn't mean I don't need guidance. In fact, sometimes, I feel the weight of maintaining that performance without the insights I used to get.”

Whoa, that hit me like a ton of bricks. Don’t forget your Rockstars, they need support too.

Leaders, the key to retail success isn't just numbers; it's understanding and supporting our teams. It's vital we create spaces where our teams can speak up without fear, and feel challenged and supported.

Every team member, whether in the stockroom or on the sales floor, has insights that can drive our business forward. So, let's not forget to engage with everyone, especially our top performers. When we truly listen and act on their feedback, our retail operations thrive. Make the time, and see the difference.

Worthy Retail Leadership

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