It’s a fairly common scenario, a team member is promoted into the role of store manager and is keen to make a positive impact. The challenges begin when the store manager realises that the team aren’t meeting their targets, turnover is high and morale is low. Often the cause is a lack of feedback or the way the store manager is providing feedback. Catching your team doing it wrong, is not motivating to anyone.
It’s critical all store managers, new and existing, make a conscious effort to provide regular feedback to their team, both positive and constructive. When they do, productivity increases, morale lifts, and the team has a much higher chance of meeting and even exceeding their targets. However, feedback needs to be provided in a way that the team take it on board and not get defensive.
Obviously, positive feedback is the best feedback to provide as every team member is open to this type of feedback. It’s the constructive type of feedback or as we call it, improvement feedback, where most managers come unstuck. Focussing on facts, keeping emotion out of the discussion is essential. Getting the team member to come up with the solution is another key element. Also following up to catch them doing it right and providing positive feedback really shows the team member you care about them.
The benefits of providing feedback are numerous. It helps individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses, so they can improve and grow in their roles. When team members receive regular feedback, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. Providing feedback also helps to build trust and open lines of communication, which is essential for a positive and productive work environment.
Feedback isn’t just important for team members, it’s also vital for managers and leaders. It helps them understand the impact of their leadership and identify areas for their own improvement. The ability to give and receive feedback is a key skill that leads to better communication and more effective teams.
In short, feedback is a powerful tool that can drive personal and professional growth, improve communication, and boost team performance.
Roger Simpson – CEO, The Retail Solution and Author of “The Ultimate Retail Sales Experience” With over 35 years’ industry experience, Roger Simpson is recognized as Australia’s #1 Authority on customer ROI in the retail industry and as a global expert on staff coaching, customer service, and selling skills.
