Your team members have conflicting priorities. How do you effectively delegate tasks to ensure productivity?

When I was a Store Manager, I would find out the strengths and weaknesses of my crew. I would break down the expectations and assign each task to the correct team member. I had an Assistant Manager who would always come late in the morning, so I made the switch and had her work evenings, and my other Assistant Manager work daylight. It worked out well. Then those who were stronger stocking the shelves, they were assigned that task. We all worked registers because that was the main task at hand. Once you have the team organized it gets a little easier.

Encourage team members to share their concerns and provide updates on their workload. This transparency helps you make informed decisions about task delegation, respecting each person's capacity and preventing overload. Promoting a culture of open communication fosters trust and demonstrates that you value your team's input and well-being, ultimately leading to a more cohesive and efficient work environment.

I always made myself available to my team. There is nothing more important as a manager than to listen to your employees. You may not like everything you hear, however, it is an important part of managing. This helps build trust and shows that you value them, and they are not just another body. I never liked going to my boss and having that nervousness of approaching them. It is time to do better.

Identify and communicate which tasks are critical and time-sensitive, and which can be deferred. Make sure everyone understands their role in achieving the team's objectives. Prioritization ensures focused efforts on what truly matters, preventing important tasks from being overlooked due to conflicting personal priorities. This approach helps maintain alignment and efficiency within the team.

We were given three days for truck day. Wednesday was the day we unloaded truck; this was the most important day for scheduling. I would use most of the hours that day and Thursday. I had to start at 4:00 am, the next crew member at 4:30 am, then the next two people in at 5:00 am and we would start unloading truck. I had my Assistant Manager come in at 8:00 am to open the store and start the day-to-day operations as we finished up on truck. Then those of us who unloaded truck shifted and started stocking the shelves. The rest of the team came in around 12:30 pm and their main focus was running registers. We had to have truck done by Saturday, so we worked hard Wednesday through Friday. We could relax a little until next truck on Wednesday.

Regularly assess and adjust the distribution of tasks to ensure that no one is overwhelmed while others are underutilized. Be proactive in redistributing responsibilities as needed to address shifting priorities or personal circumstances. This approach helps prevent burnout, fosters a sense of fairness, and strengthens team cohesion, ultimately leading to a more effective and motivated team.

My cashier I hired was a little shy, slower than the normal cashiers, but her personality shined through. She was always on time, polite, and so courteous. The best customer service experience I have seen. We needed another assistant manager, and I wanted her to move up. I told her the position was opening up, but we need to get faster on register. Her and I would practice. I would explain to the customers that she needs to have a line so she can get faster, and they were happy to help. She did it and I was so proud of her. She is still an assistant manager today. I am very happy for her.

By assigning tasks that challenge your team members and push them to expand their skill sets, you provide valuable opportunities for development. This approach not only helps individuals gain new experiences but also enhances the overall capabilities of your team. When team members see that their growth is a priority, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated, leading to increased productivity and a stronger, more capable team.