Words and Answers – May 5th

by Jon | Jul 9, 2025

Here’s a tip I’ve learned over time. As a manager, we need to be careful how we respond to a question from a staff member. We need to always keep in mind that our words carry weight.  Staff expect us to mean what we say.  We’re...

Who do I want to be? April 3rd

by Jon | Apr 18, 2025

At times, things can get pretty rocky at a co-op…people calling out, people giving notice, the new hire that is just not working out, crazy things happening on the sales floor…need I go on? The grind of it all. With all its never-ending hassles,...

Stable Calming Waters – March 5th

by Jon | Apr 2, 2025

Let’s talk about how we navigate situations when some staff react to reasonable decisions and operating procedures within the co-op with heightened emotions, disproportionate criticism, and sometimes retaliatory efforts. These situations can quickly...

That Long Standing Problem – February 2

by Jon | Feb 17, 2025

I hear something like this with some regularity… “I’m at my wit’s end and am feeling really overwhelmed. I have a long-term staff person on my team whose conduct and performance are a real challenge.  They’ve...

Unsubstantiated – January 7th

by Jon | Jan 13, 2025

Here’s a problem we all face every now and then. It’s when a customer lets us know that an employee was somehow inappropriate. Maybe it was something that the customer just overheard – an inappropriate remark to...