During the next two months, our stores transform into a bustling arena filled with eager shoppers and heightened competition. Keeping a positive workplace culture is imperative for a great season and one negative attitude or a rift between two salespeople can really squash the entire vibe.
Business consultant and author, Seth Godin, says “business is not about stuff; it’s about people.” This is why we cannot underestimate the value of a positive store culture. When employees feel valued and engaged, their enthusiasm translates into better customer interactions. Conversely, a negative attitude—whether from one employee or an entire team—can create a toxic atmosphere that makes customers feel like they just stepped into or between something. Bad vibes equal no sales.
A study by the Gallup Organization found that highly engaged teams can increase sales by up to 20%. This statistic underscores the importance of cultivating a culture where employees are motivated to work together towards a common goal. When every team member recognizes that their contributions matter, it fosters collaboration and boosts overall productivity. Business consultant Patrick Lencioni highlights the importance of teamwork in his book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, stating that successful teams create an atmosphere where members trust one another, engage in healthy conflict, commit to decisions, hold one another accountable, and focus on collective results.
Check your store’s culture temperature before the holidays get here and make sure to do everything in your power to foster a culture of respect, peace and teamwork. Ignoring a bad situation will not make it go away.