Beginning the process of reconnecting
In this third article of creating The Modern Day Store we are going to focus on the process of reconnecting owners and sales associates into a unified team. This is often the most difficult part of the process because there are many things that can hinder you from making such a connection. Today I am going to share with you three key factors that must be maintained during the process of your reconnection. They are a truce process, a process of give and take and a process of forgiveness. These are the main ingredients of creating a positive reconnection. If you take out any one of these ingredients, your process of reconnection will most likely fail.
In the beginning of your reconnection period there must be a valid truce called by one side. In a perfect world it would be great to have both sides surrender at once, but that is just not reality. The owner or sales associates must bring to light the issues between them by exposing them with honesty and truth. Generally, if one side refuses to fight any longer it is very difficult for the other side to maintain an assault against them. Many owners and sales associates are bound by fear that their calling of a truce will be seen as a sign of weakness or surrender. However, the truth is that a call for a truce often opens up the line of communication which was severed between the two. That is where the true winds of change begin to blow and steer you in a positive direction.
Now that the lines of communication are open you will find that information will begin to flow more freely as you discuss the real issues at hand. It is at this point that there must be a process of give and take. This is much easier said than done. The problem is that most people are happy to receive, but are unwilling to give what is necessary to make true change. It is simply called selfishness and society today teaches us how to be very selfish. If you are able to give as much as you take, you will begin to see progress as a bond of trust begins to be re-established. Now that you have the lines of communication open and a bond of trust being formed you are well on your way to reconnection.
The final key to reconnecting is one that many people have a hard time doing. It is the act of forgiveness without being asked to do so. Many times it is easy to forgive someone when they ask for forgiveness. However, would you be able to forgive someone who did not ask for your forgiveness? Many people are unable to do so and often wind up captive to an endless cycle of bitterness and strife. Learn from examples in life and use them in your reconnection process. Take as an example a couple who divorces. The one who forgives eventually moves on in life and new avenues open up. The one who can’t forgive often lives a life of bitterness and strife not being able to connect with others on a deep level. I encourage you to look within your situation and just let it go! When you are able to do this a freedom comes from within, strengthening the unity between you and your new team.
In closing, I hope that these three truths will help you in your process of reconnecting and creating a unified team. There is a greater depth of knowledge to this section, but for the sake of this article these are the key points. If you have any in depth questions, feel free to e-mail me at brian@moderndayselling.com. I will be happy to answer. My book, “The Modern Day Store” is set for release world-wide 2-22-2013 and is now available for pre-order. Next month we continue with a powerful article called “The Two Become One Again.” Have a super month!
Brian Barfield offers fresh insight in sales training and teaching people how to reconnect with one another. His first book “Modern Day Selling” is a detailed road map designed to help sales associates find true and lasting success by reconnecting with their customers. It is currently available on many websites in paperback and e-book. “The Modern Day Store” will be available 2-22-2013 and is available for pre-order on Amazon and many other websites. For more information on speaking or training seminars he can be reached at brian@moderndayselling.com.
