DMSRetail

Leading by example is a core principle for many, but not for all!

Here’s a really old story about a Retail General Manager who liked to follow hot stories of the day…and spent a lot of time watching TV.

So, what does that have to do with leading by example?

Well, it just so happens that the General Manager we’re talking about was in charge of a chain of electronics stores.

In every store he visited across the country, he found a wall of TV’s on during open hours.

If you remember the O.J. Simpson trial, you will recall that there was non-stop coverage and it went on for the better part of a year.

For those of you who don’t remember, he was on trial for the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

It was the trial of the century and everyone was talking about it.

Millions were watching it play out on TV.
One of those people was the GM in this story. In every store he visited, he spent most of his time watching the coverage on TV.

Apparently, the stories that went around from store to store were hysterical. Needless to say, respect for this GM plummeted and it was difficult to take him seriously.

The Regional and National Managers he traveled with were aghast!

Imagine being the leader of several hundred employees and spending that much time watching TV while you are supposed to be working for the company…while you are supposed to be managing and developing people and motivating sales teams!

Of course, his subordinates still treated him properly and did their jobs but there is no possible way that an example like this wouldn’t have a negative impact somewhere along the line.

It’s one of those things, those intangibles that are difficult to spot and quantify, but you just know it’s not good for business.

He became a legend in the company…for all the wrong reasons.

So, if you’re ever tempted to relax or be a little too casual or comfortable while in stores…remember the O.J. Simpson trial and think better of it.

People need good examples to follow.