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2012 Brings Retail
Leadership Change
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from the HWFC Board of
Directors
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by Lynne Lekakis
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As our owners know well,
the structure of Honest Weight (HWFC) sets us apart from both the
average grocery store and the typical co-op. We all benefit from it, as
does the broader community. We own it. We support it. We run it. At
HWFC, the working owners are the true decision-makers of the
organization. The Board of Directors (Board), elected by the owners,
provides oversight on organizational activities and appoints and guides
those who oversee everyday operations.
The Board is making a change in retail leadership to improve
operational efficiency, ready us for our future move, and to assure
sustainability for the future. It is anticipated that the process will
be complete by early February. After reviewing the work of a group of
staff and working owners and researching other structures, the Board
chose a Leadership Team of Three (LT). The LT will: set goals, help and
guide staff and working owners to reach those goals, create an
environment of constant positive development, improve the experience of
shopping and working, encourage community involvement, and ensure that
the business generates enough cash flow to effectively pursue our
mission.
The LT's scope is divided into three overlapping areas: People,
Finances, and Products. Though they will oversee departments, they will
have no department responsibilities individually. It is expected that
the LT will lead by example, communicate widely, help and train
employees and owner workers, have a hands-on familiarity with all
aspects of the Co-op, make timely decisions when they are required, and
engage the community for other decisions as much as possible.
The three will work closely together. They will be trained in consensus
decision making and be expected to institute continuing programs of
training and education for themselves and the workforce. While criteria
have been identified for individual oversight areas of each leader,
they will have the freedom to make proposals to restructure their
responsibilities based on their individual skill sets and aptitudes.
One of the critical issues for the LT is the engagement of the
workforce in decision making at all levels, all the time. Other issues
on which the LT will be evaluated include fostering effective
communication, supporting positive morale, sustaining a creative,
enjoyable working environment and ensuring excellent customer service.
These are the tasks the Board has identified as essential to take the
store to the next level. Our governing documents will always be taken
into account when making decisions, and our mission statement is at the
heart of everything we do.
Check the bulletin Boards for frequently asked questions, or feel free
to send an email to the Board@honestweight.coop.
The Board has also committed to host more coffee talks in the community
room on the second Saturday of each month at 10:30 am until noon for
conversation with owners. You're welcome to grab a cup of coffee (or
your favorite hot beverage) and join us.
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