Purpose

As I mentioned in my previous post, many things have changed during my time within the industry. It seems that there has always been a new product, a new category, a new competitor or a new technology rolling out. As with people in the industry, many come and go rather quickly while others stick around for a long, long time. Some you could have seen coming a mile away. Others had you scratching your head wondering how they ever made it or where they ever went to. For some reason, Haagen Dazs' Carrot Cake Passion Ice Cream (circa 1994/1995) comes to mind. That has to be my all time favorite. Feel free to share your favorite c-store offering.

Getting back to business though, as I mentioned in my previous post, many of the scenarios and challenges that employees faced back then have never really gone away. I can't help but wonder why. When I talk about scenarios and challenges, I am referring to staffing primarily. I am referring to the challenges that employees face on the front lines. I am talking about the challenges of staffing a store, keeping it clean, controlling inventory loss, reducing turnover, developing your staff, maximizing bonus, getting time off and having access to leadership that is genuinely vested in your personal and professional growth. Do any of these ring a bell?

From my perspective and experience, this has always been a sink or swim industry. It has always been very fast-paced. How many out there were thrown into position out of necessity because someone else quit or was fired? How many out there felt prepared to succeed in your new role as assistant manager, store manager or even supervisor? How many out there passed on a promotion because you knew you weren't ready? How many scraped by and just managed to "survive" your first year or two? How many were able to "thrive" within the first six months? I obviously cannot answer for everybody. I can answer for many though because I have worked for many different companies in many different parts of the country. Based on my experience and conversation with others within the industry, I can tell you that it has happened to more people than you'd think. Most might even call it the norm. I am.

Why though? I still come back to the same question. Why? Why does it have to be that way? Why hasn't it changed? There have been plenty of smart people pass through the industry doors in the time that I have been around. Why hasn't anyone been able to resolve these issues on a large scale?

We've all known strong managers who run great stores. There are always a few supervisors who seem to develop and lead great teams. I wonder what the difference is. Don't you?

The honest answer is that most people are too busy. Most people have too much to do. Most people do not have enough time. I know that I always didn't. As much as I would have liked to spend that extra time developing someone, I couldn't always do so. Creating opportunities for others has always been one of my most important responsibilities. I did so every chance I got. I still do to this day.

And, as is the case with people, there are those who do not care about developing others. There are many people who feel threatened by someone who wants to learn and move up. These people feel that if you don't know what you are doing, you cannot be a threat to them.

Lastly, for now anyway, there are people who just aren't willing to train you because you aren't part of the clique. They do not like you for whatever reason. I know, I know. Just when you thought we were all out of high school. Sadly though, these scenarios still exist at all levels.

So, what is the answer? The answer is that you need to take responsibility for your own career and professional growth. I'd love to help you with that. It's what I do.