Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (0)

Management Should Sometimes Do The Dirty Work
August 15, 2007

Sometimes I find myself so overwhelmed with paperwork and frustrated customers.  We've all had those days.  I recently aquired a helper, though.  One of our sales girls is helping me with the customer service issues so that I can spend more time on the floor.  

Why would someone in middle management want to spend more time on the sales floor?  Well, it's simple, not only can I monitor my employees but I can set an example for them.  When my employees see me running around on the floor to bend over backwards for a customer, they don't feel like they're doing it for no reason.  The fact that I'm willing to do it makes it an important part of the business.  But what isn't an important part of the business?  Vacuuming, dusting?  No way, that stuff is important, too.  I do not have a problem doing dirty work at the store just to prove to my employees that I don't think I'm better than them.

This raises the question "Do I think I'm better than my employees?".  The answer for me is definately not.  In my store we are a team.  There is absolutely structure and a well-defined hierarchy but at the end of the day we all have the same goal.  We all want the store to do well.  When the store does well, my employees may get raises or bonuses.  Who doesn't want to make more money?  I find that this team mentality also boosts morale a great deal.  My sales staff doesn't feel like anyone is unapproachable if they have a problem.  This attitude of management also leads to true respect, not respect out of fear.

I challenge you to look at your company's management team and assess what you may do to boost your company's team morale.  Comments?  I'm sure one of you would like to tell me how you're paid too much to scrub a toilet.  :)

Posted by Kelly Nelson on August 15, 2007 | Comments (0)