Open For Input

Dear Store Manager tm

As the person in charge of your store, are you open for suggestions on how to improve your business regardless of who or where the input comes from?

A friend recently reminded me of how unusual it is to encounter a leader who embraces unsolicited input, even criticism, as a way to improve their business and ultimately their customer’s experience. ?And by embracing, I mean actually doing something with the input.

If you’re managing a store/warehouse club/restaurant and can set your ego aside to consider what a person who isn't your supervisor has to say about your operation, you’ll have a leg up on most of the managers at competing stores.

If you like the idea of having a leg up (or perhaps another leg up) on your competition, start by listening to your customer.? Not an original concept at all.? Anyone can act like they’re listening.? However, doing something with customer feedback will put you in a unique position in the world of retail store management. ??

Perhaps it’s a bit of an overstatement to say, “Do this better than everyone else and over time you’ll own your market!”? Perhaps.? But I can think of only one way to find out.? Are you open for input?

My best for a great 2025,

Russ

?Note: Thanks A-a-Ron Thomas for the note on this topic.? Much appreciated!

DSM 24

Ai was not used in the writing of this post.