Have you ever found yourself thinking, “My team is great… but I’ve told them a hundred times, why don’t they get it? Why won’t they just do what I ask?!”
Oh my gosh, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve felt that way, I’d have a drawer full of cash and a lot fewer gray hairs.
One of our community members, Suzanne, said it so well:
“I have great staff, but sometimes my morals and specific goals get pushed back. I want great customer service. How do I help my team reach our goals?”
YES. Such a good question. And one I really wanted to bring to the podcast because this comes up for almost every single store owner I’ve ever worked with.
And here’s what I’ve learned (and wish someone told me sooner): This isn’t really about your team. It’s about leadership.
Listen to the full episode here:
Leadership Isn’t a Personality. It’s a Skill
Maybe like me, you used to think some people were just “born leaders.” But you can totally learn how to lead and how to lead yourself first.
So if my team’s not following through, it doesn’t mean they don’t care. It usually means they’re missing one of three key things:
- Why something matters
- What exactly they’re expected to do
- How to do it right
Do They Know Why It Matters?
Even when it feels obvious to me, that doesn’t mean it’s obvious to my team. That’s why I keep explaining the “why.”
For example: If I want every customer greeted quickly, I say, “In our store, we greet every person within 30 seconds because we want them to feel seen and valued, like they matter the second they walk in.”
You’re not just a boss. You’re the culture keeper. If I don’t teach my team my values, they’ll make up their own.
Do They Know What to Do?
So often, team members push back not because they don’t want to do something but because they aren’t exactly sure what I expect.
“Be helpful” is vague. But saying: “Ask every shopper if they’re looking for something specific, and show them at least two great options,” gives my team clarity and confidence.
Do They Know How to Do It?
Let me tell you about the trash bag situation. We had a checklist item that said “take out the trash.” Seemed simple… until someone left a leaky bag leaning against the door. It was a mess!
That’s when I realized: my team didn’t know what I meant by “take out the trash.”
I hadn’t said:
– Tie it tightly
– Take it all the way to the outdoor bin
– Line the can with a new bag
– Stock extras under the sink
They weren’t trying to cut corners, they just didn’t know how I expected it done.
Watch the full episode here:
Is Everyone on the Same Page?
Sometimes, even when I do all the right things, I realize someone on my team just isn’t the right fit.
It’s not about being nice or fun to be around, it’s about alignment. If my team can’t support my store’s mission or follow through on what we’ve set out to do together, then it might be time to make a change.
When your team is aligned, trained, and led with clarity, you’ll start seeing less stress and more momentum and that’s when real growth happens.
Your Millie Moment:
Building a team that supports your vision starts with you. If you’ve been wondering why your team just isn’t getting it, ask yourself:
- Have I taught them the why?
- Have I explained the what?
- Have I shown them the how?
Try this with your team: Pick just one task that’s been frustrating you, and today, take a few minutes to walk your team through the why, the what, and the how with grace. You might be surprised at how ready they are to rise.
That’s the beginning of real leadership. And when my team feels supported and aligned, I can step into the role of CEO with so much more confidence and joy.
Don’t want to repeat yourself a hundred times?
- Want help building a team that actually supports your goals without repeating yourself 100 times? Apply for your free Gameplan Call, We’ll look at what’s working, what’s not, and map out your most aligned and profitable next step so you can build the culture, team, and leadership that supports your million-dollar goals.
- Want a behind-the-scenes look at how our top clients grow profit without burning out? Our free training, Beyond Busy: 3 Shifts to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Store Income, walks you through the exact Profit Roadmap we use in Profit Club, focusing on your role as CEO, CIO, and CFO to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Don’t forget to join us in our Facebook community: Richer Retailer Facebook Group.
💚Remember: I know it’s not always easy. You care so deeply about your store, your team, your customers and sometimes it feels like no one sees how hard you’re trying. But I see you. And I want you to know: you’re not alone. You are building something beautiful one small, brave step at a time. Keep going, friend.
