Sales Strategy
Jimmy DeGroot: Compliance vs. Cooperation January 22, 2025 (0 comments)
Green Bay, WI--One of the most frequent questions I get asked by owners is how to get their staff to do what they want them to do. Every action we take in life, whether personal or professional, is guided by purpose. The first step is clarity. We need to ask ourselves, “Is this about compliance, or is it about cooperation?” This simple question will tell us how to proceed.
Compliance revolves around adherence to rules, processes, or expectations. These are actions that must be done for security and the welfare of the company such as how to handle financial transactions and locking doors when we leave. There are areas in our companies that must demand compliance to continue employment.
On the other hand, cooperation involves active participation and alignment toward shared goals. It requires collaboration, mutual understanding, and a willingness to work together for a larger purpose.
During the D-Day invasion of France, soldiers had orders to achieve a certain objective. Compliance was important for certain activities such as, do not stop to aid a fellow soldier lest you be killed yourself. This is for the medics. Rather, you must continue to achieve your mission. But cooperation was required after that when all plans got thrown out the window. Paratroopers who landed miles off target had to now cooperate and improvise to achieve their mission.
When facing decisions such as: “Am I going to insist that everyone arrives at work at 8 am?” reflecting on whether you want compliance or cooperation can reshape your approach. Ask yourself: “What do I truly want from this situation?” and “What do I need to achieve this?” In the case of employees showing up, you may simply want the store to be open at 9 a.m. with everyone ready to serve and the showroom is in prime shape. These questions help define not only your goals but also the dynamics you wish to cultivate. For example, in a workplace, fostering cooperation may unlock creativity and innovation, while compliance may ensure procedural efficiency.
Knowing what outcome you truly want requires self-awareness and honest reflection. Are you looking for short-term solutions or long-term growth? Do you prioritize control or mutual trust? The answers to these questions will guide your path forward, allowing you to act intentionally.
Ultimately, success is built on balance. Compliance provides a framework, but cooperation drives meaningful progress and builds culture. By identifying your true purpose and aligning your actions accordingly, you can create environments that empower everyone involved.
Remember, clarity isn’t just the first step; it’s the catalyst for transformational outcomes. So, the next time you approach a decision, take a moment to ask: Am I seeking compliance, or am I striving for cooperation?
This is a summation from the Slow Growth Business Podcast by Jimmy DeGroot and Kyle Bullock.
James (Jimmy) DeGroot is a professional jewelry sales and operations trainer from the jeweler’s side of the counter. Having been in management and the jewelry business for over 20 years, Jimmy offers weekly training to jewelers nationwide via the Train Retail website. Jimmy is an AGS titleholder and specializes in training relevant and timely methods for jewelry teams. He can do a full training on making Bridal Presentations the best they can be, among many other regular training options. Contact Jimmy at jimmy@trainretail.com or call 920-492-1191.