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10 Tips to KEEP IT FUN!!!

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Crunch time is upon us! Extended hours are here, the crowds are building, and shipment is overflowing out of the stockroom!! Here is my Top 10 easily forgotten ways for a Store Manager to keep their team going -


  • Keep it fresh - When crunch time comes, people tend to get "stuck" in a rut. This not only will lead to burnout now, but leads to complacency when this is all over.  Rotate floor positions to break the day-to-day monotony.
  • Sugar!! - It may sound strange, but as the energy is spent, sugar levels drop.  Bite sized candies can be the perfect "pick-me-up" that dragging person needs.  Anyone with kids can tell you how much sugar levels can effect your mood!!
  • Crank up the Music - I know, I know...If you hear one more version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", you are gonna quit! I promise, tune out the song, but let that beat add a little pep to your step, and you'll be home sippin' eggnog in no time!
  • Exercise - Really?! After that lady just yelled at me for not having her size you want me to do jumping jacks?! YES!  Whether you get your heart rate up by moving around things in the stock room, taking out the trash, or jumping jacks....get your heart rate up with activity (NOT frustration)!! This will keep your mood and attitude right where it should be!
  • Bring in an iPod and speakers - Nobody wants to be the one staying late to clean up after everything, so give them something to look forward to and break from the Holiday tunes with some loud tunes everyone can agree on! (Tip - Although it may be popular, if it has an explicit label on the album, it is never appropriate for a work place....even when the doors are closed!!)
  • Have a Potluck - Other than getting presents (oh ok...it's about the giving), what's the best part of this season? FOOD!! Instead of spending your entire break in line waiting for a cold slice of pizza...see what your team is made of and have everyone bring in their holiday favorites.
  • DAILY Awards - This time of year it is so easy to forget to use one of the most important expressions you have ever learned - THANK YOU!! Setting up daily awards not only ensures the people that rock are getting noticed for it, but it also ensures you are LOOKING for it!!
  • Break from the Ordinary - Sometimes in a manager role, you end up not being the one to vacuum, or clean the bathroom.  Surprise your team, and be the one to break out the vacuum! Be really cool and do it with a little enthusiasm, and your team will see that even the "not-so-fun" things don't have to be all bad!
  • Have a Line Coordinator with personality! - Long lines are inevitability at this time of year. Have someone that is so energetic, even entertaining, manage your line and your line will seem to be both the fastest, but also be something your customers will fondly remember.  
  • MAKE IT MEMORABLE!! - Many people fail to recognize this is the time of year that can make or break your business, and I am not just talking about a profitable December.  Make your store the favorite destination for ALL your customers allowing your team to have so much fun (obviously while doing their jobs) that your store is the first store that comes to mind the other 11 months of the year!!

If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that.  Word of mouth is very powerful! - Jeff Bezos Founder & CEO of Amazon.com

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