Unstoppable Retail: What's Working Group

Attached “What’s working Board” by Team Doncaster:

Hi Team,

With strong 5-star strategies and our “What’s Working” board, our team has been using best practices to identify and reflect throughout our daily work and morning huddles. Each individual finds this helpful and empowering. As we have previously shared on the wall with our individual reflections, this has been a great gain for our team. We believe it will continue to help us contribute, identify disruptions when they occur, shift into “surfer mode,” and reflect effectively.

Where is our team on the mountain right now?The answer is: “Transition In.”

In fast-paced retail, challenges can happen every day, and disruptions can come in many forms. Recently, we have been highly impacted by people, resources, capabilities, and opportunities, which have affected our performance and slowed us down from moving at our usual pace. We had experienced the sudden turbulence and unexpected wave. It has felt like we were in the wrong “gear” while cycling up the mountain. We felt stuck, challenged, and unsure of what to do.

Recognising this, we made a conscious decision not to continue pushing forward without direction. Instead, we paused to reassess, realign, and refocus on what matters most for our team at this moment.

We challenged ourselves with questions:

• Do we have the right level of resourcing to effectively support daily operations?

• Is it realistic to achieve our targets under current situations, and if so, how?

• How can we better leverage the strengths and potential of each team member?

• How do we acknowledge and support the possible emotional impact that uncertainty and pressure can have on each team members?

At this stage, we had come together, sat down, and planned as a team to identify what matters most. We had drafted options, but we have not explored all the options and make us feel confidence in moving to turning point. As a result, we are not yet at a point of full confidence or acceleration.

“Transition In” isn’t about slowing down, it’s about taking the time to reset and realign as a team, so we can move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum that lasts.

What is helping us build momentum?The answer is: “Teamwork.”

Nothing beats teamwork when it comes to challenges and uncertainty. We know that any plan will move forward when the team works together, shares ideas, and achieves together. We celebrate small wins, just like being in “surfing mode,” to keep us moving. We appreciate each other’s efforts, and we believe nothing is stronger than teamwork in building momentum.

What is getting in the way?The answer is: “Unplanned Turbulence” – a wave within a wave.

While we are already working together on one challenge, another “wave” can come at the same time. What could happen then? Will we still be able to ride the wave again? What if our efforts do not pay off or do not go as expected? Will we still be able to keep our momentum and move forward as a team?

What have we learned so far?

If we feel exhausted, stuck, or unmotivated and want to step away, that is normal. It does not mean we are doing the wrong thing or that we cannot succeed in the end.

Identifying disruptions and shifting into “co-pilot” mode, while focusing on what matters most and choosing the right direction, helps us refocus and move forward.

What would be most useful to focus on next?

The answer is: “Make It Work Better.”

As we continue refining our plans and exploring available options, we are also beginning to align on a clear direction. Choosing a path but ensuring that the path we choose works effectively and consistently and keeping us aligned with our expectations.

This means:

• What can we do to make this plan work better in our current situation?

• What are the potential risks?

• What solutions can we put in place to support?

• What strategies will allow us to work more efficiently while maintaining accuracy?

keep adapting copilot thinking moving forward that we are not just moving faster but making sure we are “climbing the right mountain”

“Make It Work Better” is about building confidence in our direction. so that as we move forward, we do with better control and effectiveness.

What do we want to achieve by the end of the challenge?

The answer is: “To have the ability to shift when disruptions occur.”

Even if we succeed on one mountain, there will always be more ahead, and challenges will continue daily. The ability to quickly shift modes is what we want to develop, so we can adapt and respond effectively whenever challenges arise. This will benefit us in any situation and in any role, we take on.

Our Best Practice Card: “One Question First”

We find this card especially useful and practical in our daily retail work. It helps us in customer conversations, when answering questions, and when customers feel confused or upset. It also helps in problem-solving, whether with customers or daily tasks.

• “Have we seen the whole picture yet?”

• “Is this really what we need to respond to or defend?”

• “What could be another reason behind this?”

One Focus for Our Final Phase is:

“Work With Reality”

As we approach the turning point where plans have been formed, direction has been chosen, our role shifts from planning to operating within the realities in front of us.

This is where the team begins to move with momentum, working toward our goals.

Challenges are still here, but they now become opportunities for growth and learning.

Team will be no longer just preparing but learning as we go and unlocking new opportunities.