Four Leadership Insights Courtesy of Your Neighborhood Grocery Store (Part 1 of 4)
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
If you've ever lived in or visited the Southeast region of the United States, chances are you’ve heard of Publix Super Markets.
Publix is known for their immaculately maintained stores, friendly associates, speedy checkouts, and impeccable customer service. Not to mention the legendary subs.
Although their prices on comparable non-sale items are generally higher than those of their closest competitors, the overall shopping experience is unparalleled. In fact, Publix’s tagline is “Where Shopping is a Pleasure.”
As it turns out, several insights about effective leadership can be gleaned from a casual stroll around your favorite supermarket.
In this special leadership series, we’ll explore how people leaders can deploy common supermarket psychology tactics to successfully onboard, retain, and develop their team members.
Supermarkets create an inviting atmosphere to draw their customers in.
Sensory Stimulation Begins at the Entrance
You walk into the local supermarket to pick up a few ingredients for your famous lasagna. Immediately, you’re overtaken by the comforting, familiar aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the bakery. Rekindling fond childhood memories of watching your grandmother knead dough in the kitchen of the home where you grew up.
The floral department, nestled in the corner off to your right, greets you with an assortment of fresh cut roses and bouquets of seasonal flowers in a spectrum of vivid hues. The nook is also festooned with an equally colorful showcase of mylar balloons displaying celebratory messages.
A few yards ahead at 9 o’clock is the freestanding Starbucks Coffee shop. As you roll your shopping cart (“buggy” if you’re from the South) closer, the smell of freshly ground beans begins to tickle your olfactory nerves. Beckoning you to place an order for the Caramel Macchiato you didn’t realize your taste buds craved until that exact moment.
Supermarkets use pleasurable sensory experiences like these to create a welcoming environment for their customers.
To stimulate their appetites. Conjure nostalgic associations between certain foods, scents, colors and their treasured memories. And evoke powerful emotions which ultimately influence their decision-making and buying behavior.
Leadership Insight: Effective leadership begins at the “front door” with your employee’s onboarding experience.
The entrance to the grocery store sets the tone for a customer’s shopping experience. Likewise, a thoughtfully planned and seamlessly executed onboarding experience creates an indelible first impression for your new hires. Assimilating them into your team, familiarizing them with the organizational culture, and preparing them for success in their roles.
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