In the ever-evolving landscape of retail grocery, effective leadership is paramount. Effective leadership doesn’t just happen—it must be nurtured and cultivated, equipping emerging talent with the right tools, training, mentoring, and support. Cooperatives as well as other independent grocery stores face unique challenges in a post-covid world, and new challenges emerge frequently. Retailers must remain courageous and steadfast in making the necessary changes to prepare, build, and sustain a strong future.

Recognizing the needs and demands of today and the future, Columinate is offering specialized programs tailored to the development of general managers (GMs) within the independent retail grocery sector. Jeanie Wells, Columinate consultant and the creator of Mighty Community Markets, an award-winning grocery leader development program, has set her sights on providing a way to help develop leaders who will power the next generation of these grocery businesses.

Detroit People’s Food Co-op, which opened May 1, 2024, had the opportunity to take full advantage of the GM Development program in order to prepare their new general manager for the leadership role at their new store. Columinate consultants and veteran retail food co-op leaders Luke Schell and Chris Dilley joined Jeanie Wells, the program’s designer, and each played key roles in implementing different modules of the program. Akil Talley, Detroit’s new GM, took the helm after receiving a wealth of knowledge to integrate into his work at the co-op.

To learn more about how the program was implemented and experienced by all, watch the video here:

Understanding the program

The General Manager Development Program is designed to provide comprehensive training and support to both seasoned GMs and those preparing to step into the role for the first time. The program, which offers a structured curriculum covering a range of essential topics, was developed by our team of Columinate consultants with extensive experience in a variety of aspects supporting GMs.

The GM Development Program offers general managers the essential tools they need to lead confidently and courageously. It gives them a better chance at succeeding while supporting the sustainability and growth of the business and its services. Stronger GM leadership makes for stronger stores, deepening their local impact in promoting food security, economic vitality, and social equity.

Refining skills for existing GMs

For general managers already in position, the program serves as a platform for honing leadership abilities, enhancing strategic thinking, and developing proficiency in critical areas such as financial management, operational efficiency, and staff empowerment. Through a combination of workshops, seminars, and personalized coaching sessions, participants can delve deeper into best practices and learn from industry experts.

For individuals preparing to take on the GM role, whether within their current organization or in a new context, the program provides a solid foundation for success. Participants from stores gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique dynamics of leading independent grocery businesses, community and image building initiatives, navigating the complexities of the retail landscape, managing diverse teams, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Additionally, for participants from a cooperative, the training includes opportunities to build skills and understanding around board and GM relationships, governance systems, and member engagement.

Key components of GM Development

Module 1 offers hands-on and in-person operations training in their store or a host store to enhance the knowledge, skills, and leadership perspective needed to oversee and set expectations for all areas of operations. Placement is dependent upon scheduling, but typical on-site training modules include four weeks in a host store.

Module 2 offers guided course work through live and remote sessions, with an emphasis on improving the executive oversight skills essential to grocery management. There are seven possible oversight training courses, each led by a specialist in that field and designed to help the GM build skills and fluency in the targeted area of each course.

Module 3 begins with a professional assessment of the GM’s leadership expertise and personal leadership style. The results are used to help match the GM with a coach and mentor that will most benefit their unique leadership growth goals.

Module 4 helps GMs quickly gain skills in observing and adjusting retail readiness. This module offers in-person store audits with a veteran retail operations specialist to develop the proper lens for benchmarks that keep the organization growing. General managers will have the opportunity to practice assessments and evaluation of store conditions and readiness in a variety of conditions to help the new GM or GM trainee think critically about their own store’s readiness and shopping experiences. A strong secondary purpose of guided store audits is to foster in-person relations in the region by facilitating introductions and peer connections.

All these modules are focused on key elements of retail management:

1. Leadership development: Participants engage in exercises and activities aimed at enhancing their leadership skills, including effective communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making.

2. Operational excellence: Best practices in areas such as inventory management, merchandising, and customer service are explored to optimize operational efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience.

3. And for food cooperatives, cooperative principles and values: Grounded in the cooperative principles, the program emphasizes the importance of values-driven leadership, sustainability, and social responsibility in guiding decision-making and organizational culture.

Benefits for participants and organizations

Participating in the General Manager Development Program offers numerous benefits for both individuals and the organizations they serve, leading to positive impacts in their local communities::

• Professional growth: Participants gain valuable insights, skills, and perspectives that empower them to excel in their roles and advance their careers.

• Organizational success: By investing in the development of their GMs, co-ops and independent retailers cultivate strong, resilient leadership teams capable of driving innovation, fostering member engagement, and achieving sustainable growth

• Community impact: Strong, well-led food co-ops and independent retailers play a vital role in promoting food security, economic vitality, and social equity within their communities, making the program’s impact far-reaching and profound.

As the retail food co-op and independent retail grocery sector continues to evolve and adapt to changing market dynamics and cultural and community needs, the importance of developing effective leadership cannot be underestimated. Those who strive to serve in these roles must be equipped for the terrain. The GM Development Program offered by Columinate serves as a beacon of support and guidance both for existing GMs seeking to refine their skills and for aspiring leaders preparing to embark upon the journey. By nurturing, cultivating, and empowering the next generation of leaders, this program contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of independent retailers and of the cooperative sector and the communities they serve.