Play to win in Retail

  Here are five simple steps that I share with new hires I recruit for the adidas Group in North America to help them deliver on their passion for the game of ‘retail sport’:

1. Stay focused

Keeping your eye on the prize, medal, or end-of-the-game score requires laser focus and determination. Write your goals on several sheets of paper and place them in your environment, at home, on your locker, in your car, or any other place that you frequently see. I know of one mom who pinned a post-it note to her baby while he slept so that in the morning she was reminded that her baby and her career goals were the two most important focuses in her life; innovative…yes!

2. RAISE THE BAR DAILY

Exercise your strengths in your retail position on a daily basis. If you’re an exceptional people engager, practice engaging with everyone you see and come in contact with, on your way to and from work. Say hello, smile, and make your impression last.

3. CREATE A MOTTO…AND LIVE BY IT!

Olympian Gabby Douglas was raised by a vision board and a family motto that her mom created, “Make today better than yesterday!” Gabby’s determination to attain the highest level of Olympic status was a result of determination, drive, discipline, natural talent and, moreover, her family motto to do better.

“When we create mottos and/or personal mission statements, we turn our goals into realities. The secret is to believe in your motto and believe in yourself.”

4. RESILIENCE & TENACITY

With great pleasure, I’ve had the opportunity to become energized by motivational speaker Willie Jolley on more than several occasions. His greatest message that resonated with me was, “A Setback is a Setup for a Comeback!” Let’s face it, we’ve all had setbacks and we will continue to have them.

“When setbacks happen, call upon resiliency and tenacity and get moving. Talking yourself into “I can” and “I will” puts you into action!“

5. CELEBRATE

Sharing your successes with others, including strangers, has a way of deepening our belief in all that we are capable of doing. If you are a social media buff, shout out your successes. For those of you doing this, you already understand the power of social media and how quickly you will begin to attract other like-minded contacts who welcome a positive story.

“Have fun with your successes and use them to inspire others to achieve their goals. The more we give, the more we get.”

Sharing what makes you happy will be reciprocated by other success stories. Momentum builds and before long, your circle of influence will be celebrating regularly, you’ll be having fun, and you will likely attain your goals!

Do you have experience of how investing in you has paid off?