This column is about things I may have said before in January, favorite things I heard said in 2016, and some issues for 2017.
Things Worth Repeating
Things I said in previous Januaries that I think are still pertinent include:
- Make a list. Write down those things you want to accomplish or work a little harder on getting them done.
- Value friendships. Work a little harder on rekindling past relationships and take advantage of friendship opportunities that may come your way. Your friends need to know that you care about them and how good it makes you feel that they care about you.
- Count your blessings. Dont fall in the trap of wanting more of this and more of that. Remember where you started, where you are now, and appreciate what you have.
- Raise your hand. It is always good that you can find a little money to support good causes that help those not so fortunate. But it does not have to always be money. Find a few hours a month to give of your time. That may be more valuable than money.
- Your work is your calling. Dont view what you do as a job but as what you want to do more than anything else. See it as your calling and a positive experience that makes you feel good.
- When you come to the fork in the road, take it. That is what Yogi Berra would have said you should do. Just make a decision and move on. Dont worry about the horse being blind; just load the wagon. Go for it and stay the course.
- Good things do happen to good people. Teddy Roosevelt was quoted as saying, In the battle of life, it is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong stumbles or where the doer of a deed could have done better. The credit belongs to those who have actually been in the arena.
- Make yourself unforgettable. You will meet a lot of unforgettable people in your travels. Make yourself unforgettable to others by showing your passion for your profession.
Good Things I Read
I read a lot of great articles in the magazine in 2016, both in print and digital. If I was giving out an awardan Espy, Oscar, or Magpiehere are a few excerpts from my favorites for the year.
In Changing Roles and Challenges in LP in the MarchApril 2016 edition, four senior directors of big companies talked about their profession. Brian Peacock of Rent-A-Center said, Today I see a lot of great educational programs for someone starting out in a loss prevention career. I think it is critical to continue to push yourself to stay in tune with what is trending in your field and to be aware of the changing landscape of retail and the new skills sets needed to stay relevant.
Stacey Bearden of The Home Depot said, Broader business experience is extremely valuable within the organization. While there is a significant piece of what we impact that is theft and fraud related, there are other completely controllable operational factors. Business acumen is not only beneficial but also necessary.
Tim Belka of Walgreens said, Our profession has progressed significantly in the development of diverse thought and background of the people who pursue loss prevention careers. However, in retrospect, it would have benefited the industry to aggressively pursue diversity of thought and background to make us more effective and relevant.
Art Lazo of 7-Eleven said, It is the role of LP leadership to continue to seek out opportunities to address challenges that may be outside of the normal LP channels. Retail is constantly changing, and we need to be able to adapt accordingly and show value in our roles. If somehow you missed this, the interview with these special executives is worth the read.
Important Issues in 2017
Here are some important issues to think about heading into 2017:
- What will be the outcomes of new leadership at Kroger, CVS, and Meijer? These are big jobs impacting lots of people.
- Can the leadership team headed by Scott Ziter reignite the Food Marketing Institute conference, now called ASAP? See the featured article in this issue for my interview with Scott and his comments on the conference in March.
- Stay tuned for another step into international certification with the Loss Prevention Foundation. In addition, the foundation is working on programs with retailers on disengagement and organized retail crime (ORC) education.
- Solution providers will continue to create products that will impact ORC and shoplifting. Violence remains a critical concern by all with apprehensions.
- Think hacking is a political issue? Cyber security is still on the front burner on companies risk platesand maybe on your personal device.
- Plan now for the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) conference in New Orleans. RILA and the event committee do a terrific job for asset protection.
- Are your crisis management programs and roles solidly in place? Could be a tough year.
- Will you see the solar eclipse? Who will retire? Will you change jobs? Will I get my knee surgery finally done? And will the Cubs win again? All are important issues.
LP Magazine is now fifteen plus one and striving to do better each pass at it.