I recently received this question on “Ask John”

“Good evening John,

My current position is the HR/Operations manager for a department store.

My biggest challenge is assessing my new team. When assigned to a new store, I usually take about a week to observe their behaviors while performing tasks. I also look into their knowledge and capabilities as it relates towards their position’s. With over 100 associates, I find it difficult at times to get to all of my associates. In your experience what would be the best way to effectively assess all associates in the building?”

This was my answer:

Thanks for the great question!

I can tell you that you are not alone; most Managers struggle with this exact issue.

As I am sure you are aware, knowing your Teams strengths and opportunities is the most important element to the success of your building, your business and you!

Having been in retail most of my life I can appreciate the difficulties associated with Q4 activities.

Observation is key but in my opinion your participation is essential. To effectively assess your Team and to establish yourself as a Leader participating with your associates is the fastest and best way.

These would be my recommendations:

• Just spending 10 minutes with an associate helping them on the floor will enable you to gain valuable insight into the associate, their work ethic, and knowledge and set you up as a Leader. Help an associate fold the t-shirt table, re-stock socks, and fold the jeans. This will enable you to have conversation with the associate while getting work done. You can teach and show that you can work and talk at the same time. It will show your staff that you work along with them and not just delegate. It will give you an opportunity to find out if the systems are conducive to accomplish tasks.
• Spend 10 minutes bagging for a cashier. This will enable you to see the customer service, observe the cashiers efficiency and once again show your Team that you work with them.
• Take your breaks and your lunch in the break room with your Team. Great opportunity to interact in a more social atmosphere.
• I know you are busy but it is important to establish a touch base program. 2 or 3 days a week establish a touch base where you set aside an hour to bring in associates to your office just to chat. You can bring in 4 associates one at a time for 15 minutes each. This will give you time just to ask them how their job is going and to ask what you can do for them to make their jobs easier and more satisfying. It will also help take the fear out of “the office”.  Too many times associates are only called to the office when they are in trouble.  This will help establish the fact that in your building the office is a safe place.
• Assuming that you have morning meetings be an active participant. Ask questions. Ask for feedback. If you are not having 2^nd shift meetings you should. Often time’s stores will have a morning huddle, but then tend to ignore the folks that come in for the afternoon or evening shift.

The best and fastest way to assess your staff is simply to talk with them at every opportunity to matter how briefly and to always work with your Team.  This will not only give you great insight into your people but will clearly establish you as a Leader.

I think if you follow my suggestions you will find that your Team is seeking you out!

Do you have other suggestions you would give to this Manager?