For most bookstore managers, conducting staff meetings is either a blessing or a curse. Many find it difficult or lack the organizational skills necessary to have a productive and effective meeting. Other managers find sheer joy in planning a meeting and perform it with ease.

Meanwhile, most store staff-whether paid or volunteer-more than likely have little interest in attending any meetings at all. But, whatever your opinion is, staff meetings are a must for all church stores that desire to have a knowledgeable and highly trained staff.

The three keys to a successful staff meeting include proper planning, recognition of staff members and thorough training.

Begin by writing an agenda for the staff meeting. Most people appreciate order in meetings, so a written agenda helps the meeting to flow efficiently, keeps you on track and gives participants a visual outline of what will be covered. Scheduling also is important, as you want the meetings to be at a time that is convenient for everyone involved.

Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and special events in the lives of staff members is an excellent way to build relationships and encourage them. Also, offering incentives and special prizes for staff who receive compliments from customers or excel in the area of sales can go a long way in motivating them to do their best in their areas of responsibility.

In addition to our regular meetings, we have a quarterly breakfast for training and fellowship. The training portion covers a specific area of the store each time. We recently trained staff on customer service by showing a DVD presentation on the subject, followed by a product-search game. We even gave away prizes to the top three teams.

-Terri Williams has been manager of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship's bookstore in Dallas for more than 10 years.

Read the complete article at http://www.thechurchbookstore.com/a.php?ArticleID=14067.