As a retailer, most of us are not paying the highest wages in the marketplace.  So what factors can you provide for well qualified associates that will make them want to sign on and stay with your store(s)?

*If you want to create the kind of workplace where good people thrive, you as a leader must pay attention to and spend time talking with your team.  You are busy...very busy, but you cannot be too busy to invest time with your people.  If you want them to thrive and be productive you must pay attention to them!  People like to work for a company and a boss who pays attention to them.

*Appreciation and recognition of an employee and their performance is more important than money.  It is the most effective management tool of all.  When you show your sincere appreciation orally, through a note, or via a special program designed to recognize performance, you give them something money cannot buy...respect.

*Some store managers, assistant managers or leaders are able to get extraordinary performance out of ordinary employees because the employees are devoted to them.  If you have a "second in command" who has the ability and desire to relate to, get close to, and support their associates, promote them!  It is not only good for that person, but all of your team members like working for someone who genuinely cares for them.

*Creating a store environment where customers, employees and management all are encouraged to enjoy themselves is a great benefit to your employees.  They need to achieve their goals, but that is so much easier to do when they are encouraged to laugh, have fun and enjoy themselves.  I don't mean to let things get out of control, but create an atmosphere where everyone is relaxed and comfortable enough to enjoy serving their customers!  Then watch the sales increase! 

*All of us want to know that we are useful contributors.  Whether it is to our families, our church, community or nation.  It's no different in the retail workplace.  Your employees want to look at themselves as contributors and partners in your store's success rather than just a "hired hand."  Give them concrete examples of how their efforts are helping the business to be successful.  Don't be afraid to share what is happening in your business with them and they will feel like "responsible owners" too.

These steps won't cost you much, if anything, but the reward to your staff and your store will be immeasurable!

-Mark Zobrosky has held several Senior Retail positions.  He served as Vice President of Operations at Family Christian Stores, Vice President of Operations and Real Estate at National Book Warehouse, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gibson Greetings Retail Division as well as Vice President of Electronic Commerce for OnePlace, Ltd. You can reach Mark for Retail consulting via e-mail at markzobrosky@aol.com  or via telephone 336-327-7594.