The ink had
hardly dried on Lord Mayor, Sally Capp’s, announcement of a Committee of
Trustees to advise on QVM matters before names were being thrown about as to
which trader(s) should be on the committee. At the end of this article we have
picked our best choice.
The
politically active groups were off at a run and even the Union is reported
to have expressed its views. Not that there is anything wrong with that. This
is an important and welcome innovation for traders and selecting the right
candidates is equally important.
If
you think about it, this committee will need some pretty special people. It will be considering important and complex issues. QVM is a
complex place. There are many different aspects to consider - different
products, different customers, different ways of operating our businesses. What
most traders will want is candidates who have the capacity, and desire to treat
each issue on its merits, put in the time to evaluate, and seek wider trader
input, before advising in committee.
So that got
us thinking about what might be desirable qualities for a trader candidate –
1. A balanced
outlook – any strong anti or pro attitudes may limit serious consideration of
important issues so an open, inquisitive mind is probably important here.
2. Entrepreneurship
– this is retailing, and ultimately the level of business at QVM will determine
all our futures. We need to grasp opportunities, as they arise.
3. Glass half
full/half empty – following on from the previous points is the need to balance
our approach to new concepts. Saying “no” is safe but get’s you nowhere and
saying “yes” without considering all the consequences is equally dangerous.
Fortunately, many of the propositions put to this committee will have expert advice
to back them.
4. Homework –
an ideal candidate will put in the hard work on issues, seek outside advice,
particularly from impacted traders, but not handball to someone else.
5.Superpowers –
Yes, being responsible for 600 traders in a retail revolution, compounded by
renewal, is a daunting task for any mortal being and our candidates may need super powers.
Which brings
us to our choice for a trader candidate.
It is Market Man. This caped crusader (reported to be Superman’s cousin) appeared on these pages a few years back, and is dedicated to righting wrongs at QVM. He may be just the right choice to represent traders on a Committee of Trustees.
Now, we have introduced Market Man for a bit of fun but we don't want to diminish the importance of this process. We have not been asked to submit names for the committee and the term “expressions of
interest” in the official text is vague enough to make it unclear just how this
will work, but that shouldn’t stop all of us from thinking and talking about who might be most suitable.
The Committee of Trustees is an excellent idea and getting productive representatives in place will be very important.
The Committee of Trustees is an excellent idea and getting productive representatives in place will be very important.
Have Your Say - click here.
COMMENTS:
29/07/2018 16:29:14 Market Man "Can't we have a non-gendered super hero - Rippa Retailer or Tenacious Trader etc etc "
Great names! - Ed.
30/07/2018 08:29:30 Market 'Man' "Having spoken with Market 'Man' I can tell you that he feels gender neutral but he identifies more as a male. Hopefully you can respect that position " MM
Understood - thank you for responding MM - Ed.