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Survive

Survive

By: C-Store Center
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 This podcast is for convenience store sales associates looking to promote to assistant managers as well as for new assistant managers. This can be a tough role when you just get thrown into position. I will prepare you to survive in this role.© 2025 C-Store Center Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Staying on Track: Managing Interruptions in Store Operations

    Staying on Track: Managing Interruptions in Store Operations
    May 18 2025
    Episode 68 Show Notes: Staying on Track - Managing Interruptions in Store OperationsEpisode DescriptionIn this final episode of the "Survive" series from C-Store Center, host Mike Hernandez tackles one of the biggest challenges assistant managers face - the constant interruptions that derail productivity and focus.Discover how Marcus transformed his store operations by reducing task completion time by 40% through better interruption management. Learn why those five major interruptions in your day aren't just taking up a few minutes - they're costing you two full hours of productivity when you factor in the 23 minutes it takes to regain focus after each disruption.📚 What You'll Learn:The "Interruption Windows" technique for predictable disruptionsThe 15-Second Reset method for handling customer interruptionsCreating Decision Trees that reduce staff questions by 60%The Three-Second Test for rapidly assessing interruption importanceThe Traffic Light System for response prioritizationEstablishing Buffer Zone Systems for external communicationsPractical Frameworks Revealed:Know-Show-Grow method for staff interruption trainingCapability Cascade for smarter delegationThree Rs measurement system (Response, Resolution, Recovery)Zone Communication for structured team interactionsInterruption Levels for clearer decision-makingQuick Takeaways:✅ 70% of daily interruptions follow predictable patterns ✅ Simple "Bookmark Points" can reduce task completion time by 30% ✅ Clear "FAQ Stations" can cut staff interruptions by 50% ✅ "No Interruption Zones" reduce counting errors by 75% ✅ Buffer zones between tasks prevent schedule derailmentTarget AudienceConvenience store assistant managers seeking practical strategies for maintaining focus, managing disruptions, and creating more efficient operationsEpisode Key Points1. Understanding Interruptions (5:00-15:00)Predictable vs. unpredictable interruptionsCustomer-driven interruption managementStaff-related interruption patternsExternal interruption handlingThe true productivity cost of task switchingFocus recovery time variations by task typeError potential with frequent interruptionsThe ripple effect on team effectiveness2. Management Strategies (15:00-25:00)Three-Second Test for quick assessmentTraffic Light System for prioritizationBookmark Points for easier task resumption20/20 Rule for focus maintenanceInterruption pattern identification methodsProactive planning with FAQ StationsZone Communication for team coordinationInterruption Levels for clear protocols3. Creating Sustainable Solutions (25:00-35:00)Know-Show-Grow method for staff trainingCapability Cascade for effective delegationClear Channels for better communicationEveryone Owns It approach for shared responsibilityCreating interruption buffers in schedulingBuilding Flex Points into daily routinesWhat If method for developing backup plansThree Rs for measuring effectiveness4. Action Items (35:00-40:00)Complete your interruption audit during one shiftDevelop a one-page response protocol guideHold a team meeting focused on interruption managementResources MentionedKey Frameworks:Three-Second Test for assessmentTraffic Light System for prioritizationBookmark Points for task resumptionInterruption Windows for predictable disruptionsBuffer Zone System for communicationDecision Trees for staff empowermentKnow-Show-Grow training methodCapability Cascade for delegationAvailable Resources:Interruption tracking templatesResponse protocol guidesFocus maintenance toolsTeam training materialsConnect With UsReady for the Next Step? Check out our "Thrive" series designed for store managersQuick Learning on the Go: Visit our "Smoke Break" episodes for 4-7 minute training sessionsJoin Our Community: cstorethrive.com for articles, activities, and more resourcesAssessment Questions for Self-Study:Planning for inventory count interruptionsComparing reactive vs. proactive strategiesTraining program design for interruption systemsError reduction action planningIntegrating concepts from the entire Survive seriesProduction CreditsSurvive by C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim ProductionHost: Mike HernandezSpecial Note: This concludes the "Survive" series for assistant managers! Continue your journey with the "Thrive" series for store managers.Episode Tags:Interruption Management, Focus Techniques, Productivity, Team Coordination, Communication Protocols, Assistant Manager Development, Store Operations
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    19 mins
  • Making the Right Choices: Priority Setting for Store Leaders

    Making the Right Choices: Priority Setting for Store Leaders
    May 11 2025
    Episode 67 Show Notes: Making the Right Choices - Priority Setting for Store LeadersEpisode DescriptionIn this essential episode of "Survive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez tackles one of the biggest challenges facing assistant managers - making smart priority decisions when everything seems urgent.Learn from Alex's real-world experience handling a Friday afternoon crisis where power issues, staff shortages, and early deliveries all hit at once. Discover how systematic prioritization saved thousands in inventory and kept his store running smoothly. When everything seems important, how do you decide what comes first?📚 What You'll Learn:The crucial difference between urgent and important using "Impact Zones"How to apply the Eisenhower Matrix in real store situationsThe "Ripple Effect Test" for evaluating task importanceCreating your "First Hour Rule" for morning prioritiesThe "Flex Block System" for balancing scheduled tasks with surprisesBuilding sustainable priority systems with your teamKey Frameworks Revealed:Triple T Method (Threat, Time, Team) for emergency rankingReady, Willing, Able framework for delegation decisionsTraffic Light Check for progress trackingCustomer First, Systems Smart approach for competing demandsShow, Share, Support method for teaching prioritizationQuick Takeaways:✅ Use the "Customer impact per minute of effort" question ✅ Create Admin Power Hours to cut paperwork time by 40% ✅ Implement Priority Partners to train team decision-making ✅ Build Clear Choice Checklists for consistent executionTarget AudienceConvenience store assistant managers seeking practical strategies for effective priority setting, task management, and team leadershipEpisode Key Points1. Understanding Priority Setting Distinguishing urgent vs. important tasksApplying the Eisenhower Matrix to store operationsValue vs. effort assessment using customer impactThe Ripple Effect Test for task evaluationFirst Hour Rule for morning priority settingQuick Split Decisions during rush hours2. Managing Competing Tasks Task batching with Admin Power HoursThe Flex Block System for time managementReady, Willing, Able framework for delegationTraffic Light Check progress trackingBalancing customer service with administrative dutiesParallel Progress Method for simultaneous goals3. Building Sustainable Systems Show, Share, Support teaching methodCreating Priority Partners for team developmentClear Choice Checklist accountability systemWin-Learn-Adjust effectiveness monitoringWeekly Sunday Strategy SessionsThree-Level Check for goal alignment4. Action Items Create your priority assessment template using the Eisenhower MatrixSet up your task management system starting with opening proceduresDevelop a team training plan beginning with one shift meetingResources MentionedEssential Tools:Impact Zones for categorizing tasksFirst Hour Rule morning frameworkHandover Impact Scale for shift changesTriple T Method for emergenciesFlex Block System time managementTraffic Light Check progress trackingPriority Partners team training systemSuccess Metrics:Improved task completion ratesBetter time management across shiftsEnhanced team performanceReduced stress levelsIncreased operational efficiencyConnect With UsFor Quick Leadership Tips: Smoke Break Assistant Managers - 4-7 minute episodes perfect for busy managersReady for Store Manager Position? Check out our "Thrive" series for store manager developmentJoin Our Community: cstorethrive.com - Employee development resources and training materialsAssessment Questions for Practice:Multiple crisis prioritization scenarioFlex Block System implementation designShift change efficiency improvement planPriority system team rollout strategyPast situation analysis using new frameworksProduction CreditsSurvive from C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim ProductionHost: Mike HernandezProduction Note: All scenarios and examples are fictional, created for educational purposesEpisode Tags:Priority Setting, Task Management, Leadership Development, Assistant Manager Training, Time Management, Team Building, Decision Making, Store Operations
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    19 mins
  • Making Every Minute Count: Time Management for Store Leaders

    Making Every Minute Count: Time Management for Store Leaders
    May 4 2025

    SURVIVE Podcast - Episode 66 Notes

    Episode Title: Making Every Minute Count: Time Management for Store Leaders

    Host: Mike Hernandez

    Episode Description: In this game-changing episode of Survive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how convenience store assistant managers can transform from working 60+ hours a week to efficient leaders who accomplish more in less time. Learn how Sarah cut her work week from 60 to 45 hours while improving customer satisfaction—through smart delegation, strategic planning, and effective systems. Discover practical time management techniques that help you control your day instead of letting your day control you.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Conducting time audits to understand where your minutes really go
    • Implementing priority systems that match customer needs with staff energy levels
    • Creating efficient systems for rush hours, shift changes, and unexpected situations
    • Developing delegation strategies that empower your team
    • Building flexible routines that absorb daily surprises without disrupting operations

    Episode Highlights:

    • The "Energy Match" system for scheduling tasks according to natural energy levels
    • The "Pre-Rush Power Moves" that transform chaos into clockwork during peak times
    • The "Ten-Minute Transition" method for seamless shift changes
    • The "Zone Defense" approach for managing deliveries efficiently
    • The "Teach Once, Trust Twice" delegation system

    Actionable Takeaways:

    1. Complete a one-week time audit tracking activities in 30-minute blocks
    2. Implement the "Now, Soon, or Later" priority classification system
    3. Create your daily "Power Hour" for planning the next day
    4. Develop "Pre-Rush Power Moves" specific to your store's busy periods
    5. Start using "One-Page Protocols" for common tasks to streamline operations

    Manager Challenge Question: How would you create a "Pre-Rush Power Moves" system for your store's unique characteristics, including specific task prioritization, staff assignments, and timing strategies for different days of the week?

    Listen to this episode to discover how effective time management can transform you from a constantly overwhelmed assistant manager to an efficient leader who has time for strategic thinking and team development.
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    18 mins
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