SURVIVE Podcast - Episode 62 Notes

Episode Title: Making Smart Choices: A Guide for Store Leaders

Host: Mike Hernandez

Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Survive, host Mike Hernandez explores the critical skill of decision-making for convenience store assistant managers. Learn practical frameworks and techniques to make better choices—from routine restocking decisions to complex staffing and security challenges—that will improve your store's performance and advance your management career.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding different decision-making models and when to use them
• Implementing a practical process for making daily operational decisions
• Balancing intuitive and analytical approaches to problem-solving
• Managing time-sensitive decisions under pressure
• Applying decision-making frameworks to real store situations

Episode Highlights:

• Success story of Sarah, who turned a holiday weekend crisis into an opportunity through structured decision-making
• The GROW model for making systematic store management decisions
• The "Three Question Rule" for quick but effective information gathering
• The "Pause-Process-Proceed" approach for handling pressure situations
• How to create decision frameworks for common scenarios like staffing, inventory, and security

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Create a decision framework template that includes your key criteria and response protocols
2. Develop a quick-reference guide for the five most common decisions you face
3. Establish a team training plan to build decision-making skills across your staff

Manager Challenge Question: How would you handle a situation where your store is experiencing both increasing theft incidents and declining customer satisfaction? What process would you use to determine which issue to address first?

Listen to this episode to enhance your decision-making skills, gain confidence in handling complex store situations, and develop the strategic thinking abilities needed to advance your convenience store management career.