the Board Brief
Strong Teams Lead to Success
by Ann Arnold, Day's Jewelers Board of Director
Football season is upon us, YEAH! OK, so I have to admit I am a glutton for punishment, I have been a JETS fan for years. But regardless of that fact, I do truly love the game. I recently read an article on the ways to make special teams strong (for those not in football, the special teams only come out to play in certain situations, mainly during the kicking game). One thing that strikes me every year is how some teams just seem to gel; they come together and just work well How do they do it? What can we learn from them? And how do we apply it to what we do every day?
It is no secret, and I am sure you have heard over and over, that your success depends on the team you create within your organization. Just like special teams, that are not utilized during the whole game, with the holiday season upon us, now is a great time to revisit the key elements in building and sustaining a strong team that will produce results.
Find Great Players
In order for a football team to win, they have to have great players This is probably the most obvious statement you have ever read, right? But it deserves to be repeated So many times, I see companies that will hold onto team members that are not performing up to their ability. What is the definition of a “great player“? These are usually the people that the less energetic people on the team complain about being overzealous. They go the extra mile, they embrace the goals of the organization, and they are willing to work with others to accomplish those goals. In Jim Collins book, “Good to Great” he talks about getting the right people on the bus.
Find Time to Practice
No football team shows up on opening day without putting in a lot of practice time Do you practice with your team members? Do you meet with them regularly to go over short term and long-term goals? Do you constantly train them, on everything, from customer service to product knowledge?
Outwork Your Opponent
Many football teams lax in their devotion to the kicking game and special teams. If you are bringing in any temporary help for the holiday season, or have anything special you are doing, don’t forget to address them and encourage them every day, starting in practice! Also, don’t forget this holiday season to go that extra mile That goes beyond just trying to make the sale happen and gift wrapping. Don’t forget your basic selling tips. Get to know your customer, make them feel important, make sure the experience is A+.
Things will hopefully get hectic over the next couple of months, especially the week before Christmas. Remember your keys to success, and don’t let your eye off the ball. Continuing to develop your strong team, even during the toughest times, will only ensure a greater success.
Happy Holidays!
ESOP MONTH
Ownership is our culture. Growth is our future
Annual Pumpkin Contest Results!
Our annual Pumpkin Contest brought out incredible creativity across many locations. From clever designs to a few good laughs, every entry showcased the fun and talent that make our teams so special Congratulations to Team Topsham, this year ’ s winner Check out their video It's hysterically funny Thank you to everyone who participated and made this tradition a lot of fun!
Leadership Spotlight
Eric Arnold, Store Manager, Nashua
The GROW Model: A Framework for Empowered Conversations
The GROW Model is a simple yet powerful framework that helps us inspire ownership, reflection, and growth The GROW Model is a simple yet powerful framework that helps us do just that. It stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Way Forward. This is a structure that turns everyday conversations into opportunities for progress.
Why use it? Because when we approach conversations with curiosity and care, we help others clarify what they want to achieve, recognize where they are today, explore possibilities, and commit to action The GROW Model helps us listen deeply, guide without controlling, and support each other in reaching meaningful goals.
In practice, it facilitates trust, accountability, and collaboration, values that strengthen our culture of ownership. By using the GROW Model, we empower one another to think independently, lead confidently, and continue building a company where everyone grows together
This is specifically useful for anyone in a leadership role when a team member asks for help with an issue or problem and could be applied by anyone who works for our organization who is trying to help another employee owner or customer.
G R O W
Is a method that leads to a positive outcome through inquiry and collaboration.
Leadership Spotlight
The Framework
1. Goal: Define clear, measurable objectives.
a. What do you want to accomplish today?
b. What is the ultimate goal?
c What do you need most from me in working towards this goal?
2 Reality: Assess the current situation honestly
a. What is happening right now?
b. What does the problem/issue look like?
c. What have you or the team tried so far?
d. What difference did the action make?
e Who else is involved?
3 Options: Explore possible strategies and solutions
a. Ideally, what would you like to see happen now?
b. Can you identify a few potential actions you or the team could take?
c. If you had unlimited resources and knew you would not fail, what would you try?
d. What have you seen others do that might work for you?
e Would you like to hear my ideas?
4 Way Forward: Commit to specific actions and timelines
a. Which action options do you want to pursue?
b. What step will you take this week to move toward a solution?
c. Are there any obstacles that we need to address?
d. When can you follow up with me about the outcome?
What Are the Benefits?
1. Encourages self-awareness and reflection.
2. Promotes solution-oriented thinking.
3. Strengthens decision making and accountability.
4. Builds coaching and communication skills across teams.
5 Encourages leaders to engage with an inquiry-based approach
6 Promotes collaboration and teamwork
What is the Impact on the Organization?
1. Aligns goals with organizational vision.
2. Fosters a coaching culture that enhances performance.
3 Improves team engagement and collaboration
4 Supports continuous improvement and adaptability
Location Spotlights
Auburn
Linda Arel, Assistant Store Manager at our Auburn store, is a volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association. Linda's mom was recently diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's. Linda was working at the registration booth for a recent Alzheimer's walk, and Mollie and Randy joined in to support the cause. Thank you, Linda for all you do to support positive outcomes for Alzheimer research.
South Portland
Leo, Store Manager of our South Portland location, his wife and daughter, brought Halloween spirit to life with their skeleton comedy performance. Check out this creativity! What a cool family thing to do together!
by Vanessa Phipps Auburn Store Manager