How to Coach

The best way to encourage and grow a team is to coach in a manner to grow the person.

A person that understands the why something has been asked or understands the why their behavior is being coached is more apt to perform at a higher level because they will commit to growing based on wanting to be better instead of being told.

When coaching a person, you must be willing to lead by example as to not expect what you are not willing to perform.

There are so may times that I have been questioned on why I go so far with a staff member that I am developing and the answer is simple, because they are coach-able. But then I have a conversation with my boss and the exact opposite is being done. I am constantly being told I need to communicate better when in actuality, my boss needs listen better.

That leads me to this; when you find yourself in a position that the stress of a once a month visit is more overwhelming than 30 days in your position with no visit, it is time to leave.

Never under value yourself based on the intimidation of a superior. You have a voice, use it!  

The Mentor

The joy you get when watching someone you mentor develop before your eyes is amazing and fulfilling. The frustration that comes when they give up and go another way is frustrating but enlightening. 

It is always tough to accept change when you have so much invested into a person that finds a better path for themselves. When that persons asks you for your advice and all you want to do is scream "DON'T LEAVE ME!" but you know it's a better choice for their growth and career. Then you step back and be diplomatic because you are fully aware that your answer can define their actions and shape their future. Are you honest or selfish? What do you do....

Well in this case I took my usual approach and asked them some tough questions to ponder themselves so they make the best decision. It is a difficult, vulnerable place to be when you actually what them to stay. But then again, you have to now ask yourself, do I really want to stay?

Coaching a team to be the best version of themselves always comes with risk. But to watch as they empower themselves to know what they need and not need you can be very uplifting. There is always more at risk then the current situation. To find success in their decisions instead of grief, self pity, or anger is not always easy but is more fulfilling than anything else I have experienced in my career. In the end, a coach wants to develop, train, teach and then let go so they can fly.

My greatest achievement in building a team to success is working myself out of a job. Then starting all over again with the next team, individual, or partner. 

The Beginning of the End

What do you do when you have something to say but cannot say it out loud when you feel out of fear of the inevitability of being fired? You write in a journal. What do you do when that journal is full? You go to a blog.

The best way to understand this post and those that will follow, is to understand what retail managers actually go through on a day to day basis.

Some people say, "it's retail, how hard can it be?" For the most part I would have to agree. Retail in itself is exciting and constantly changing. Some of the best rewards come when you help a customer get out of their own way and make a purchase that they absolutely love.

There's the occasional irate customer that wants their voice to be heard because they did not get the service they expected, but those are my favorite customers. I get to engage with the irate customer and change their attitude with the best service they could ever imagine always remembering the famous proverbial phrase, barking dogs never bite.

Then the most interesting of interesting topics, the Manager! Oh boy. The manager is my least favorite topic as there are so many hats to wear. When you wear a hat it can sometimes be rewarding, but it's when you have to manage the manager, better known as your boss, that things can get comical.

So today, an introduction, but tomorrow, with a formal visit already scheduled the first day back from vacation, I am certain to bring fireworks or at least a small laugh.

Cheers to tomorrow!!!