Another field trip!

The same manager and I went in a different direction than last time. We visited two stores from our chain; the stores were total opposites. We had heard things about both of the head managers, one good and one bad. Without knowing who managed which store, you would have known from the condition of their respective stores. One store was practically in shambles, with product scattered everywhere, dirty floors and shelves, NO customer service or acknowledgement by any of the staff. The other store was clean, neatly stocked, a warm greeting from the cashier as we entered, and offers to assist us. What a difference!

We met the store manager for the good store and spent quite a while talking with him and our old store manager, who was working in his store for the day as they worked on a joint project. We mentioned the other store and they weren't surprised at our report. That manager will lose her store if she doesn't improve.....soon. (Our old boss has connections HIGH up in the company, so she's heard things.)

After the shop talk we went out for dinner before returning to our respective cities. It was a fun day, and I learned quite a bit from the two long-term store managers. Actually, I learned a few things from just walking around the bad manager's store, too.