Managing People

In my earlier days, I was a General Manager for Bally Total fitness & Fitness Connection. I helped open the original Fitness Connections in San Antonio & Austin. I also managed at retail companies such as Express & NY & Company.

I’m not new to management or leadership positions.

It’s always fascinating to find that you find the same kind of people working at places & the same type of personalities. It’s because no matter where you go, or what you’re doing, people are “peopley” & you are ALWAYS dealing with people no matter rank, income, or otherwise.

I can usually walk in somewhere & pretty much easily & readily see who my “gossip girl” is, who my “tattle tail” is, and who’s about to become a big HR problem if they aren’t already. I can also see who comes to work happy & who wants to learn new things!

It has been quite a while since I’ve thought like an employee, & I’m simultaneously working 3 businesses at all times.

When you’re managing people, managing the toxicity in an environment is probably one of the most important things I take care of first! The energy has to be right or everyone becomes effected, & eventually that means the bottom line is effected.

It really wouldn’t matter to me who knows the most, has been there the longest or had the most seniority, if I can’t coach them to not gossip, not haze people, & not have groups gang up on each other or other things….they’re gone.

I do realize everyone isn’t going to love each other at work all the time, but if the vibration is low overall, no one will get anywhere or ahead.