Are You a Team Player and a Self-Starter?
Employers often advertise for either a ‘team player’ or a ‘self-starter’. What happens then if your recruiter is looking for both?
Retail candidates generally need to have a foot in each camp. They must work productively as part of a team. Yet they also need to be self-motivated and capable of making their own decisions.
Here are some ways to demonstrate your skills in both areas.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Self-starting employees love to jump in and suggest solutions to their workplace challenges.
You can still do this as part of a team. Clever solutions can make things easier for your fellow workers as well as solving problems for the boss.
Do it carefully though. Don’t crow, override other team members or blunder into areas not within your remit.
Be sensitive to the feelings of others and make polite suggestions during team meetings. Welcome discussion and positive feedback. Invite fellow workers to explore the options with you so everyone benefits.
INNOVATING
Employers love it when their staff come up with agile solutions to pressing workplace problems.
This is more effective when you remember that retail organisations thrive on strong, efficient teams to drive their productivity.
New or innovative solutions must be properly considered and run through the appropriate channels. Any new procedure you introduce may have unintended ripple effects throughout the team.
So, never introduce new ways of doing things on a whim because all team members will need to be properly briefed on changes.
Is your idea really as brilliant as you think? Discuss it with your supervisor or manager to iron out issues and assess its suitability for your workplace.
COMMUNICATING
Every retail organisation needs well planned communication channels. The key to being an all-rounder lies in knowing how to use these channels effectively.
The self-starter is likely to have smart suggestions to improve the workplace. The team player works closely with other staff to ensure the team plays and stays together.
Why not combine both? Communicate your ideas in a clear and easily understandable way in staff meetings, working groups and brainstorming sessions.
These are the perfect places to show your colleagues and supervisors how creative you can be. They also demonstrate that you are inclusive and keen to get feedback from your peers.
SHARING
Retail success relies on workers who share the load. So, don’t be the precious employee who’s more concerned with personal advancement than helping their peers.
By all means, carry out your work in a creative, open-minded and responsible way. If you finish your own tasks more quickly, however, stop to help your colleagues finish theirs.
Acknowledge the success and creativity of your peers too. Working in a retail team is not a competition – it’s about helping everyone reach their true potential.
You can be sure this kind of approach will be noted – favourably – by your retail employer.
Are you looking for your next role? A specialist recruitment agency can help you find retail jobs which showcase your talents.
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