Some like it hot; some like it cold; some like it in the pot nine days old!


These are lines from a famous nursery rhyme about porridge that every one has sung as a child. It tells us the ways of the different people in this world are different; some like it hot and some like it cold.

What is true for porridge habits is also true for running Retail Empires. There are two tycoons who head two different retail empires. One goes by the name that makes the bearer appear like a ‘KID’ so let us call his Retail Empire as ‘KID’S RETAIL’ (or KR for short). The other tycoon’s name sounds like a God’s name so let us call his Retail Empire as ‘GOD’S RETAIL’ (or GR for short). When you visit their respective stores the different ways of two different mindsets are clearly noticeable.

When you visit a KR Store or outlet you find employees are cheerfully hospitable, seem to be enjoying their jobs, busy-n-standing, doing some thing that may have been told to them or may be they are doing it themselves. When you talk to them, it appears that they are trying to learn some thing from you. When they respond it touches your heart. Even if they say ‘Thank you!’ you can be sure that it is heartfelt. Their smiles are genuine and from the bottom of their hearts; even if they are from a small village, definitely their behavior with consumers appears most appropriate. Those from big city background are equally impressive with their knowledge and behavior. If they are working for a big brand, they are equally polite about it.

On the other hand when you visit a GR Store the employees appear to be on cloud nine for they have been selected by a big brand. If they are happy about it, it does not get reflected in their behavior. They sit in their chairs like politicians like to hold on to their chair. Moving a bit or stretching a bit here and there while attending to a customer shows a streak of discomfort on their faces. When you talk to them, they appear to be teaching you how to behave with a GR employee. If there are two entrances to the store, the trip of watchman is to discipline you in to using one for ‘going in’ and the other for ‘coming out’. They appear to be ‘doling out’ store’s merchandise to you. While their equipment and technology is top class there is no machine at their disposal that would kill the ‘arrogance’ that is there in the air.


Navendu Mahodaya
Motivator-Trainer-Consultant
nmahodaya@hotmail.com