Think Tank: Think of the Person, Not the SiloRetailers often miss valuable opportunities to leverage talent and enthusiasm. New mobile technologies are changing all that.

[Collection]On-floor associates can make or break a customer’s experience. As companies reevaluate the number of stores they keep open, and how those stores will look and operate, a greater focus on the front line is essential to a successful retail strategy. But a solid training program that focuses only on the sales associate’s day-to-day responsibilities without a forward-looking focus is not enough. Companies are missing valuable opportunities to grow passionate associates into leadership positions in areas where those individuals excel or show promise. These are individuals who are passionate about a brand and approach training with enthusiasm, yet often do not have a meaningful conversation about their future within the company. Their special abilities, areas of interest, and even dislikes are not considered as a place to find future rising talent. In many cases, the person is thought of in their silo as to what they do day in and day out, and not what they can offer as a passionate, capable and loyal employee within the next year or even five years from now. Leadership needs to give a reason for associates to stay and grow. This begins with the field managers who have the ability to train associates quickly and

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