Finding or retaining team members can be difficult for many attraction retailers, but it shouldn’t be. When viewing one’s team, ensure positive drivers are in place. The leader creates the environment — whether it be good or bad, they set the tone for the team. Make your work environment fun, rewarding and celebratory!
"In the morning always greet each member of the team — ask how they are doing and find out how you may help them, if help is needed."
Recognize your team members
In the morning always greet each member of the team — ask how they are doing and find out how you may help them, if help is needed. Say “thank you” to everyone at the end of each shift."In the morning always greet each member of the team — ask how they are doing and find out how you may help them, if help is needed."
Set store goals and celebrate victories
Team members must know and understand what they are working toward. Always celebrate when goals are reached or exceeded. Post the goals in your location so they are seen daily in the store. Also, assign personal goals to your team members and add these to their yearly review form.Peer recognition programs
The leader should not be the only one seeing positive behaviors within a team. Give the team a program where they can officially recognize one another. Again, recognitions should be celebrated! Sometimes you will be amazed at what your team does when you are not watching them.Provide positive recognition
Reinforce your store’s standards with positive recognition. For example, if you have a tardiness issue within your team, create a program that rewards team members for not being late. If a team member has not been late for three months, give them a half day off with pay.Tommy Brown been in retail management for over 30 years. He has worked for Dillard’s, Sears, and Six Flags Inc. and is currently with the Saint Louis Zoo. He is a past ZAG vice president and can be reached at tbrown@stlzoo.org.