Be the Leader

'Leadership is action, not position.' -Donald McGannon

I've worked in retail for ten years.  During that time, I have had many managers.  Everyone has their own style of management, but one thing is for sure, not everyone is a leader.  Oh sure, they're all bosses, but not all of them led by example.  I've had more than my fair share of bosses.  You know the person that will sit in the office and barely make an appearance.  We've all had that kind of boss.  With that said, everyone understands that managers and bosses do have more work to do than what can be seen.  There's paperwork and follow up that takes place in the office versus on the sales floor. 

I have only been in a managerial position for just under a year.  I had a hard time finding the right balance between office time and sales floor time when I started.  All I knew was sales floor work.  The best way to make the day go by quickly is to stay active.  Over the past few months I have been finding the balance in getting the office work done, but it doesn't always fit me.  My job does require more work on the floor than in the office, which is nice.  There is always something to do to improve the store.

If there is one thing that gets on my nerves is those types of managers that would prefer to delegate work out instead of doing it themselves.  We all have to work with the employees and delegate some work, but some have a tendency to take advantage of that.  Yes, delegating the work out gives employees experience and gives them something to do during the day.  It gets them involved and invested.  However, if all you do is delegate work out, it doesn't show your investment in the store or business.  If you think that people don't notice that, you would be sadly mistaken. 

Everyone has their own leadership style.  Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses in leadership.  I have a hard time delegating things out.  I am a very hands on type of leader.  I like to see first hand the progress of things.  I like to make sure everything is done.  Sometimes I might be too controlling, but have been slowly learning to let things go.  To let others take on the workload, follow up, and teach and train on execution is a leadership quality that has the greatest impact I believe.