CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida JewelerJohn Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.
IndependentsSep 14, 2016
Coach’s Corner: Six Ways to Foster a Collaborative Setting
Cultivating an environment of teamwork requires a shift in focus from individual accomplishments to team success, Pat Henneberry writes.
Pat Henneberry is vice president of global learning and development at Hearts On Fire. Reach her at pat@thejewelrycoach.com.
While watching the Summer Olympics, I am reminded of what all the teams have in common. When you think of the relay teams, soccer teams, water polo teams--what trait do they share? They are all stories of individuals combining their talents to achieve a common goal.
Teamwork brings victory in the world of sport, and it can help you succeed in your retail stores too.
Collaboration is a big theme for small businesses today for a reason: It works. As vice president of learning and development at Hearts On Fire, I know the importance of building a team. People thrive in an environment that frees them to collaborate. When my team experiences job satisfaction, our HOF retail partners reap the benefits.
However, implementing this approach can be challenging. It requires a complete paradigm shift to change the focus from individual accomplishment to team success.
The first step to getting started is equipping each team member to participate. Here are six ways to cultivate a collaborative environment in your store.
1. Share company expectations.
Define roles and responsibilities within your sales team, and make it clear that collaboration is the minimum standard. All team members should understand their positions and what is required of them.
In a collaborative environment, every team member takes responsibility for good outcomes. Our learning and development team is getting ready to launch our first HOF online learning platform. But it’s so much bigger than just my department. It’s help from IT, marketing and sales. It’s a big team effort, and everyone is part of its success.
2. Set goals.
Set concise, measurable goals on a quarterly basis. Getting the team to focus on goals will keep individual efforts aligned with desired outcomes. Be willing to re-evaluate goals as needed. Keep focused and transparent.
3. Foster creativity.
Allow team members to question and brainstorm in a non-judgmental framework. Encourage the team to view all obstacles as conquerable. Nurture a can-do attitude. Ask why, or why not, on a regular basis.
One way we cultivate a creative atmosphere is by providing leadership training that encourages character development. I purposefully hire people who aspire to be and produce their very best.
4. Build cohesion.
Include every person on the sales team in as many large decisions as possible. Initiate daily team huddles where each member shares what he or she will be accomplishing that day, and have a means to communicate workflows to avoid duplicating efforts. This keeps
everyone on the same page and enables team members to redirect their efforts as needed.
5. Know one another.
Every team is full of different personality dynamics, skill sets and experiences. It’s worth the effort to have each member complete a simple personality profile. Share the results, and openly discuss likes and dislikes regarding communication, tasks and personal focus.
6. Leverage team member strengths.
Position each team member for success by assigning tasks that play to his or her respective strengths. Reward both individual and team accomplishments regularly.
Establishing a collaboration policy is just the beginning. Collaboration must be consistent and deliberate, and you must dedicate time and resources to it. You may have many professional sales associates in your office already, but you can increase your productivity exponentially by getting them to work as a collaborative team.
Think about all those Olympic teams and how important each team member is. Every single person on your store’s team is important. Collaboration is free, and it’s one of the most important tools you can teach today.
Pat Henneberry is vice president of global learning and development at Hearts On Fire. She also is founder of The Jewelry Coach, a sales training community for jewelers. Reach her at pat@thejewelrycoach.com.
5. Know one another.
Every team is full of different personality dynamics, skill sets and experiences. It’s worth the effort to have each member complete a simple personality profile. Share the results, and openly discuss likes and dislikes regarding communication, tasks and personal focus.
6. Leverage team member strengths.
Position each team member for success by assigning tasks that play to his or her respective strengths. Reward both individual and team accomplishments regularly.
Establishing a collaboration policy is just the beginning. Collaboration must be consistent and deliberate, and you must dedicate time and resources to it. You may have many professional sales associates in your office already, but you can increase your productivity exponentially by getting them to work as a collaborative team.
Think about all those Olympic teams and how important each team member is. Every single person on your store’s team is important. Collaboration is free, and it’s one of the most important tools you can teach today.
Pat Henneberry is vice president of global learning and development at Hearts On Fire. She also is founder of The Jewelry Coach, a sales training community for jewelers. Reach her at pat@thejewelrycoach.com.
More on Independents
The Latest
ColumnistsDec 03, 2024
Peter Smith: How a Leadership Hire Can Make or Break a CompanyIn his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.
SourcingDec 03, 2024
Gemstone Cutter Glenn Lehrer Dies at 71An innovative artist inspired by the natural world, Lehrer is remembered for being a visionary and a shining light.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
WatchesDec 03, 2024
Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin Appoint New CEOsJérôme Lambert returns as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, while Laurent Perves takes the lead role at Vacheron Constantin.
Weekly QuizNov 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 03, 2024
Neiman Marcus’ ‘Fantasy Gifts’ Sparkle In Pavé This Holiday SeasonThe extravagant gifts in this year’s “A Neiman’s Fantasy” Holiday Book range from a Messika diamond necklace to pavé diamond cowboy boots.
GradingDec 02, 2024
Jewelry Appraiser Craig Lynch Dies at 70The industry veteran is remembered for his faith, his dedication to his family, his wealth of knowledge and his generosity in sharing it.
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
SurveysDec 02, 2024
10-Year Rewind: Comparing 2024 Holiday Shoppers With the Consumers of 2015PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2024 holiday trends survey took a 10-year look back to see what mattered to consumers then versus now.
Lab-GrownDec 02, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Set Sells for $55K at Charity AuctionMonique Lhuillier and Kay Jewelers collaborated to create the pieces, which were offered at the recent Baby2Baby gala.
Policies & IssuesNov 27, 2024
G7 Announces Botswana as Second Verification ‘Node’ for Rough DiamondsBotswana joins Antwerp as a certification center for rough under the G7 ban on Russian diamonds.
SourcingNov 27, 2024
Gemfields Reports 'Disappointing' High-Quality Emerald Auction ResultsThe miner said its November sale, which earned $16.1 million, felt the effect of competitive pricing by a rival Zambian producer.
CollectionsNov 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Mignon Faget’s ‘Crescent Starry Night’ Tassel EarringsMignon Faget honors its hometown of New Orleans with a piece inspired by “The Crescent City.”
TechnologyNov 27, 2024
Nivoda Secures Additional Funding The London-based business-to-business diamond and gemstone marketplace just closed on a $51 million round of Series C funding.
SourcingNov 26, 2024
De Beers Stays With ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ for 2024 Holiday Campaign“Forever Present” highlights gifting opportunities for natural diamonds, celebrating familial, friendship, and romantic relationships.
AuctionsNov 26, 2024
Christie’s To Auction Collection of Suzanne Belperron JewelsIt’s one of the most impressive assemblages of the French designer’s pieces ever to come to auction, Christie’s said.
ColumnistsNov 26, 2024
The Smart Lab: 7 Strategies for Refining Your Holiday Email Marketing CampaignsSuccessful email marketing campaigns are all about timing, personalization, and compelling CTAs, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsNov 26, 2024
GIA’s Board of Governors Adds 2 New MembersRetail leader Lisa Bridge and geology professor Dr. Wendy Bohrson joined the organization’s board.
MajorsNov 26, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Unveils This Year’s ‘Benny Bear’ Look out for a black bear wearing a purple Santa hat and its zippered tummy pouch made for holding a holiday gift from Ben Bridge Jeweler.
SourcingNov 25, 2024
William Goldberg Celebrates 2 Major Milestones With New Book“The William Goldberg Way” was released in honor of the company’s 75th anniversary and 25 years of its proprietary Ashoka diamond.
Lab-GrownNov 25, 2024
Lab-Grown Co. Lusix Sold to 2 Companies for $4M Fenix and Dholakia Lab-Grown Diamonds have jointly acquired the Israel-based company, which grows diamonds using solar power.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2024
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Panel to Feature Fred SavageThe actor and watch enthusiast will be part of the show’s education lineup.
EditorsNov 22, 2024
Out & About: Inside the CD Peacock MansionStep inside the nearly 21,000-square-foot suburban Chicago jewelry store with Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff.
CollectionsNov 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Xander Jane’s ‘Spiked’ Pearl StudsThese punk-inspired earrings from the new Canadian brand’s debut collection reveal the alter ego of the classic pearl.
SourcingNov 22, 2024
Facets of Fire Expands to Include Pear, Marquise DiamondsThe company brings its nanotechnology to two new fancy cuts for diamonds that feature its signature color and brilliance.
Supplier BulletinNov 21, 2024
Tasha R Releases 2025 Labbelle Lab Diamond Jewelry CatalogSponsored by Tasha R
AuctionsNov 21, 2024
Gold Watch Gifted to Titanic Rescue Ship Captain Sells for $2MThree Titanic survivors presented him with the personalized Tiffany & Co. timepiece about a year after the tragedy.
