Officeworks Pinpoint magazine Pinpoint Issue 28 Spring 2018 | Page 5

70% 20% 10% The training has shown me the importance of engagement with the team. It is important for me that I interact with the team day- to-day and get to know them by understanding what their drivers are and how this can be used in the workplace environment to help build a stronger team and positive culture. Meet James Bongers, Coordinator at OW Chadstone (Vic) and Store Business Manager- in-training graduate The Store Business Manager-in-training program is the business’ way of identifying high level coordinators and providing them with targeted training to develop as future store managers. The program was an excellent opportunity for me to develop I am now more confident and clear in delivering my message to the team. and grow as a leader, which is why I applied. It was also a key stepping stone in achieving my goal of becoming a Store Business Manager. Over the course of the program, I developed in a number of areas but the key stand-outs for me has been gaining a deeper understanding of business acumen, coaching and motivating techniques, and the importance of constructive feedback for all team members. I am now more confident and clear in delivering my message to the team. I’m able to quickly identify each team member’s strengths, weaknesses and motivators to ensure they feel purposeful at work. I also make a conscious decision to give feedback and I work hard to ensure it is consistent across the team. Since starting the program, I have had the opportunity to take on a secondment role at Officeworks Carnegie (Vic) and was able to have a positive effect on the store. My secondment was then transferred to Officeworks Dandenong South (Vic) to assist the new Store Business Manager settle before providing support to a range of stores, finally landing at Officeworks Chadstone (Vic).  Upon completion of the program, I have been appointed to a Store Business Manager position. Meet Harley Gordon, Coordinator at OW Maribyrnong (VIC) and Coordinator-in-training graduate Coordinator-in-training (CIT) is a program designed to develop team members’ skills to enable them to progress into leadership roles and be a role model for the team. I was motivated to apply for the program as I wanted to further develop my leadership skills and my career, but also make a difference with the work I do. CIT helped me develop leadership skills including how to delegate and use your team effectively to get tasks done and achieve your vision. It also help build my confidence. I never really had self-confidence and I needed that to become a leader. I’ve acquired skills to become a better coach and use constructive and positive feedback to interact with colleagues. The confidence boost the course gave me, enabled me to be more social outside of work as well as in meetings and at events for which I am now reaping the rewards. Building my confidence has also improved my body language, which helps build a strong work culture and work environment that everyone can enjoy. 5