Sometimes I can’t help what comes out of my mouth. Sometimes when you talk to me, you get an unfiltered shot of truth. Just like taking a shot of tequila, but there’s no lime after.
A lot of it is my personality, but it’s also having to navigate the corporate world for over twenty years. Tip-toeing around what you really want to say is exhausting, and I no longer have to do it.
Ready or not, here comes my opinion.
A few weeks ago, I had a lovely chat with one of the founders of a new tech company. His product lets the people in the field communicate more effectively with their home office—a noble endeavor.
As we neared the end of the conversation, we talked about the frontline employees, what else could help them, and how his product could assist in communication.
And then I said, “If the people at corporate don’t do anything with the information they’re given and make changes, It doesn’t matter what tech you use.”
My truth is like an arrow, friends.
Ah, there it is.
My truth is like an arrow, friends.
I’m sure this guy’s new tech is awesome but if no one uses the data to take action, all the work is futile.
I wish this guy and his company nothing but success. I also really hope it does streamline communication and improves daily store operations. However, I see companies dump money into tech, ignore their people, and wonder why turnover is so bad.
No technology will ever fix corporate leaders who do not care about the people running their stores. No technology will replace corporate leaders getting out to stores to see for themselves what’s going on. There is no substitute for that. There is no quick fix.
Believe me. To see changes in stores, you need to show up at the stores.
I’ve written about new tech for over a year, including Web3, cryptocurrency, and blockchain advancements. The future will be dope, but nothing will make frontline work better unless corporate leaders get out to the field, see what’s up, and talk to people.
If you have money to spend, spend it on your people, and spend it on streamlining their week. Eliminate all the double work. Don’t send markdowns on a style of denim, and then send a transfer request two days later. That’s so frustrating.
Ensure all the departments in your company are talking to each other before you get distracted by something new.
And, if you ever want a shot of truth, you know where to find me.
Kit Campoy is a former retail leader turned freelance writer based in Southern California. She covers Retail, Leadership, Web3, and more.
If you’re a retail leader wondering WTF is going on, or you’d like a space to vent and be yourself, check out The Break Room. A safe space for retail leaders to connect, get advice, and vibe with other leaders across brands.
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