DRIVING ASSOCIATE RETENTION, TRAINING, ENGAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE ► 25+ years store management experience |Top Store: $150M in annual store sales with 700 store associatesAs a retail leadership coach and consultant, I leverage my expertise to help store management teams overcome a common challenge–associate retention and performance – to spark greater sales and shape healthier cultures.TURNING POINTMy aha moment came during a challenging time earlier in my career. The store for which I was a co-manager was struggling. Associate retention was terrible. I had to understand why. I noticed something. Associates who thrived possessed an inspiring vision for their future and saw their current job as a step toward their goal. They worked with purpose. This observation changed how I interviewed and transformed my leadership philosophy.A NEW APPROACHFrom that point on, I asked job candidates the following question: “If everything broke your way, where do you see yourself in three to five years?” Most of them knew, but many weren’t taking action. I made them an offer. I would hire them under one condition–that while working there, they would work on their dream. No one ever refused the offer. After they came aboard, I checked in with them, coached them, and encouraged them.Things began to change. Associates became more engaged. They stuck around longer. We were able to train them more effectively. Performance improved. A culture shift began. All of that came about by helping associates connect their current job to their dream job and by showing them that I cared.The best part of what employees have to offer can’t be bought; it must be volunteered. To tap into it, they must believe they are making a difference and are progressing in their lives. When you help them get to where they want to go, they will help you do the same.I help store managers achieve similar results. I also provide 1:1 Life Coaching and Dream Manager Coaching. Contact me at brains032@gmail.com