Team Manager Review

My role within the Co-op is Team Manager. My daily tasks include managing the team and running a convenience plus store that has one of the highest turnover in my area. I have regular interaction with my team as well as engaging with our customers and the community. I am heavily involved with our Membership drive, which is one of the business current focuses within stores. This involves driving sales, motivating the team, role modelling effective feedback and communication. Part of my role as a Team Manager is to coach and develop my staff to reach their full potential and to grow within the business.

Since being on the Apprenticeship course I have learnt new skills and developed some existing ones. Effective communication, verbally and Non-verbal, Listening and Active listening. Giving Positive feedback and constructive feedback to members of staff, recognising the importance of giving recognition to the team when due. Developing my coaching skills by using behaviours, using open questions, probing and closing questions to reach the desired outcome.

I'm enjoying the Apprenticeship as I'm seeing improvements within myself as a leader and passing those skills onto my team and seeing positive feedback and results. I enjoy engaging with the other apprentices and sharing our thoughts and ideas, helping each other with issues and to improve.

I do feel valued as the Co-op has invested in me to be on this Apprenticeship scheme and nominated me in the first place. However I had to push for a pay rise as my salary did not reflect on what I have help my store to achieve and the high turnover of my store. I do feel recognition from my colleagues and my customers and thats what matters to me.

I feel the Apprenticeship programme is going well so far and reasonably structured. We are the first wave of apprentices so naturally there will be teething issues. My coach has been very helpful and great communication, especially when there is a new e-book module, he would email it directly to me rather than me downloading it from the apprentice website. I know there are some of my fellow colleagues on the program that have experienced issues with trying to access or downloading the e-books so for my coach to email me the latest modules, I think takes some of the stress away. The workshops are well structured and the coaches on the day are informative and helpful. The support I'm getting from everyone thats involved with the Apprenticeship has been good and the one to one meetings with my coach/mentor has help me feel more positive about myself. I do find it a struggle to find time to complete my ebooks/ learning diary within the 8 hours given in my store as my store is a high turnover, fast pace store so I'm finding myself doing a lot of the my own time. Its a shame my store does not have internet access.

I feel I'm getting the support I need from my LearnDirect coach and my store manager when I need assistance. I personally didn't have accessibility issues with the Apprenticeship website but I do know some of my fellow apprentices have. The tablets we were given was the greatest and a lot of us struggle with it. Its good to know we are getting iPads as replacements as it would make a huge difference. I would also like to point out that the Co-op Ops trainers involved with the programme have been extremely helpful and supportive, not just to myself but whenever theres an issue raised within our WhatsApp group, they are quick to respond and act.

I do feel supported by my Manager, and the Co-op coaches involved with the program. Whenever I raise an issue it is usually quickly resolved.

I have recently had a small pay rise, which I had to push for. In reality I feel my salary doesn't reflect my role and the high turnover of my store. I'm hoping in the near future my situation will change. Cost of living in Bristol is high anyway and after rent/bills, it doesn't leave a lot for social life.

There are a lot going on in Bristol so there are plenty of things to do outside work. I try to go to the gym a few times a week and sometimes after a long day at work I just like to chill out and relax at home. As part of our commitment to our community causes, I will be getting more involved with volunteering for our causes.

Yes

Opportunities to grow within the business.

I would say be yourself and passionate about joining the business. On assessment days just remember you have been nominated and recognised by your Store Manager, piers and your Area Manager for what you've achieved and to get where you are so far.