Build a Retail Dream Team

Congratulations! You have been working on your foundation and what’s broken, and now it’s time to focus on building a growth strategy to maintain your success. Always focusing on what is URGENT will cause you to stay in the same place! Building a Dream Team is the secret to freedom.

1. Team Assessment Worksheet

Instructions:

Use this worksheet to evaluate your team’s current performance and identify areas for improvement.

• Team Member Name:

• Role:

• Strengths:

• Areas for Improvement:

• Reliability (1-5):

• Customer Interaction (1-5):

• Overall Performance (1-5):

• Comments:

Key Question: Are there team members who need additional training, coaching, or clearer expectations?

2. Five Proven Steps to Build a High-Performing Retail Team

Step 1: Hire the Right People

• Make sure you have roles, job descriptions clearly defined.

• Use structured interviews to assess fit.

• Look for attitude and cultural alignment over experience.

Step 2: Set Clear Roles and Expectations

• Communicate detailed job descriptions and expectations.

• Regularly review expectations during one-on-one check-ins.

Step 3: Build Accountability and Structure

• Implement daily or weekly check-ins.

• Use performance trackers (see below).

Step 4: Boost Team Morale

• Recognize individual and team achievements.

• Celebrate wins—big or small.

• Set weekly sales goals and share them mid week to get them excited.

Step 5: Reduce Turnover

• Offer ongoing training and development opportunities.

• Foster open communication to address concerns proactively.

3. Retail Team Meeting Templates

Weekly Team Meeting Agenda:

1. Welcome (2 minutes): Share a positive note or a win from the past week.

2. Updates (5 minutes): Announce important business updates (sales goals, events, etc.).

3. Performance Highlights (5 minutes): Acknowledge team successes.

4. Problem-Solving (5 minutes): Address challenges and brainstorm solutions together.

5. Action Items (3 minutes): Assign tasks and review next steps.

One-on-One Check-In Template:

1. Opening: "How are you feeling about work this week?"

2. Review: Discuss their current performance.

3. Feedback: Offer constructive feedback and encouragement.

4. Goals: Set clear, measurable goals for the upcoming week.

5. Close: Ask for their input: "Is there anything I can do to help you succeed?"

4. Conflict Resolution Mini-Training

Framework: "CALM"

1. Clarify the Issue: Ask each person to explain their perspective without interruption.

2. Acknowledge Feelings: Validate emotions to ease tension (e.g., "I can see why you’re upset").

3. Listen Actively: Paraphrase what they’re saying to ensure understanding.

4. Move Forward: Collaborate on a solution that both parties agree on.

Bonus Tip:

Always address conflicts privately to avoid further tension or embarrassment.

5. Employee Performance Tracker

Overview:

Use this simple tracker to monitor employee performance and set actionable goals. Update weekly or monthly.

Team Member

KPIs

Rating (1-5)

Notes/Action Plan

Sales Targets

% of sales goal achieved

Customer Service

Feedback or reviews

Reliability

Attendance and punctuality

How to Get Started:

1. Print and distribute the Team Assessment Worksheet to evaluate your team.

2. Schedule a meeting to implement the 5 steps.

3. Use the templates and tracker to build consistency and accountability.

This toolkit is your first step toward transforming your team into a motivated, high-performing group that drives sales and builds lasting customer relationships.

The Retail Lab exists to help boutique owners and product-based businesses get out of the weeds to find the freedom they dream of. Through our signature process, BOSS UP, our 12-session strategy addresses:

1. Boss Mindset: Empower yourself to think and lead like a visionary.

2. Organizing Vision: Create a clear, actionable roadmap for your business.

3. Systems and Processes: Streamline operations to save time and reduce stress.

4. Structure Your Team: Build a team that performs and aligns with your goals.

5. Understand Money: Master financials to grow profitably.

6. Prepare for Exit: Plan your business for long-term sustainability or eventual sale.

You have been working on what’s broken, but the real growth happens when you work on GROWTH strategies! Following these 6 modules instead of working on URGENT things is the secret to freedom.

Best, Kristi Brocato