Those who are intentional achieve more.  We know this is true.  Why?  Our daily To-Do lists are full and constantly being buffeted by new priorities someone else adds or that appear out of nowhere from the dynamic business envirnonment called retail.  What we’ve observed as a best practice is that multiunit managers and others who are particularly good at their job share a common best practice of being intentional.  They are clear about the purpose of each of their interactions.  Why am I on this conference call?  What is the message I want to convey in this email?  How can I make this store visit most productive?  They ask these questions and others to get clear on what they want to accomplish and why.

Being intentional also requires being in the moment.  Being present.  One of the most effective ways to do that is to use a set of core communication skills when communicating.  Regardless of the mode of communication; email, voicemail, conference call, or in-person meetings.  Choosing to use all four of the skills whenever you communicate forces you to be present.  To think about the other person or people who will be receiving this message.  To include the reason or why you are requesting them to change or add something to their day. To show that you understand by reflecting a summary of what they have said not just say “I understand.”

When you choose to use the skills in each of your daily interactions it slows you down.  Slow down you say!  I can’t!  But you must in order to be intentional, purposeful.  To really make a difference and have an impact.

What does being intentional means to you?  Share your thoughts here or tweet us @mohrretail.  In retail, every day is a chance to learn. MOHR.

Posted in Editorial
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About Michael Patrick

Michael held positions in retail management, merchandising, and human resources before joining MOHR Retail’s predecessor in 1986. In 1990 he purchased the retail division of that firm to form today’s MOHR Retail. Michael holds true to his retail roots by delivering learning that changes behavior—providing both immediate and lasting business impact. In addition to facilitating MOHR Retail training programs, he offers executive-level coaching in one-on-one sessions dealing with critical strategic issues such as succession strategies and executive team development. The author of “The New Negotiation Mindset: Guarantee A Bigger Slice,” Michael is a longstanding member of NRF as well as ISA: The Association of Learning Providers. He has a B.A. from San Diego State University, completed Master’s level work at Arizona State University, and lives with his family in New Jersey.