Progressive Grocer - August/September 2009 - (Page 46)

Independents Report Big ideas for the smaller grocer Taking the Lead Being a leader has nothing to do with title or authority — it’s a mindset of being responsible, accountable and serving as an example of ideals and values. By Jane Olszeski Tortola While Crew believes we must watch the pennies, dimes and dollars, he notes that we can’t cut corners in business on the things that make sense. Thus, he believes that leaders must be committed to ongoing associate training. Attitudes He reminds us: “The storeowners and managers “A tough challenge for leaders today is to under- can’t be everywhere all of the time, and frankly they stand that success comes to those who never give deserve to have a little time away from the business. up on the essential principles of being honest, work- The decisions made by those left in charge are a direct ing hard, delivering value, and making the customers reflection on top management and their abilities to and employees feel as if they are as important as develop people in the business. anything else in the business,” says Crew. “Continually evaluate those on your team to He adds, “Remain strong in your convictions as identify the next generation of leadership,” advises to the ‘rules’ that helped to build the business. For Crew. “Empower them, build confidence in them, example, the customer may not and allow them to make some More ONLINE always be right, but the customer decisions without having to get For additional information is always the customer. three to four others to sign off.” on independent “Help your associates to con“A true leader teaches others retailers, go to stantly understand that when peoto lead by taking ownership of Progressivegrocer.com ple come into your store, they’re situations and coming through 46 • Progressive Grocer • August/September 2009 A H E A D O F W H AT ’ S N E X T ne of the greatest challenges for storeowners is to recognize the difference between those who are managers and those who are true leaders within their companies. Being appointed to a management position makes a person a manager. But becoming a leader within an organization is much more complex in that it requires the innate ability to communicate ideas; influence others; implement organizational change; negotiate, execute business strategies; manage relationships among associates, customers and the community; and more. According to Vince Crew, prominent speaker, author, and founder of the independent strategic growth services firm, Reach Development Services in Naples, Fla., leaders in today’s high stakes environment must continue to ‘do all the right things’ with a greater sense of urgency than ever before and never forget that it is people whom we lead. Crew suggests that those wishing to achieve leadership success consider the following: O wishing to solve a problem and fill a need in the most pleasant manner possible,” he continues. “In everything we do and in every decision that is made, the customer must be at the forefront. At the end of the day, we want those customers entering to feel as though the day has just started at our store. “People everywhere are today feeling anxiety and with decisions that are in the best interest of all concerned.” Leaders Demonstrate What They Articulate Crew stresses that it’s absolutely critical for bosses to say what they mean and mean what they say. “Understand that people are watching — stock clerks, cashiers and department managers — and that’s most often how they learn. No doubt, they learn by what you and others tell them, but they learn a whole lot more by what you show them,” he explains. Leaders Learn From Those Outside of the Business stress at home and in the workplace. They feel as though they’re being hassled enough — and they need less of it.” Cut Costs, Not Corners Crew believes that one of the greatest examples of effective leadership is that of the US Airways flight crew in command of flight 1549, which made an emergency landing this past January in the frigid waters of the Hudson River. “There was a lot of stuff that came out of that scenario. First, training was the key. You have to train, practice and rehearse in order to be prepared for that one instance where you just may need it.” He continues: “Secondly, experience counts. This was a plane on which veteran employees were aboard, many of whom were nearing retirement. It was all of their experience, maturity, and the appropriate emotional response that comes with being a seasoned employee that avoided a disaster.” Crew stresses that the word “leader” isn’t a title, but a mindset of being responsible, accountable and serving as an example of ideals and values. “Leadership means understanding that the decisions you make will directly impact you and those who work with you in your current job, and also in any future life. While some things may not seem important today, someday they will be. If you have any doubt, just ask Captain Sully,” he smiles. ■ Independent Retailing Editor Jane Olszeski Tortola can be reached at JanieOT@aol.com. www.progressivegrocer.com http://www.Progressivegrocer.com http://www.progressivegrocer.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Progressive Grocer - August/September 2009

Progressive Grocer - August/September 2009
Contents
Nielsen’s Shelf Stoppers/Spotlight: Alcoholic Beverages/Light Beer
CES: Inside the Market Basket: Economical Choices Bring Grocery Gains
Lempert Report: Earth-Friendly Isn’t Everything
Store of the Month: Kosher Country
Executive Insights: A View From Tops
Independents Report: Become a Leader Your Associates Will Follow
Perspectives:Wegmans Food Markets: How Two Halves Make More Than a Whole
Independent Thinking: N.G.A. Annual Independent Grocers Survey: Cream of the Crop
Fall Promotions: Tailgating Takes Over
Proteins: Meaty Alternatives
Fresh Developments: PG Looks at the Latest News From the Perimeter
Beverage Alcohol: Keeping the Aisle Afloat
Culinary Oils: Oil Can
Frozen Desserts: Frozen Desserts Heat up
Family Planning: Up Front With Family Planning
Vitamins and Supplements: Healthy Sales With a Capital ‘D’
Pharmacy: Dealing With Diabetes
What’s Next: Editors’ Picks for Innovative Products
Equipment: Lasting Impressions: The Shopper’s Perspective

Progressive Grocer - August/September 2009