Group Directors

Group Director Skills and Attributes
Academy School

 Skills

• Must have attended the School as a delegate
• Ability and willingness to spend at least 2 weeks of own time planning and preparing for a 6 day residential intense
  programme
• First time GDs must be able to attend both the new GD meeting at Keble and also the mentoring meeting at Middleton Cheney 
• Some training skills preferred, but not essential
• Whilst some exercises appear less taxing than others, GDs must understand their importance and allow the group to
  recognise early team behaviours and dynamics as  well as actual task achievement
• Full understanding of retail principles, namely;
  o Understanding of teamwork and Leadership theory, including Belbin
  o Merchandising principles with a thorough understanding of the merchandise exercise and all calculations used as well as managing the laptop inputting for the groups
  o Basic marketing and brand awareness
  o Understanding of financial statements (P&L, balance sheet and cash flow) and most importantly how to interpret them back in the workplace

 Attributes

• Able to facilitate a group of managers from other retail backgrounds
• Able to allow group to find their way by guiding and applying teamwork and leadership skills outlined above
• Must be a team player and work with other GDs
• Able to motivate and enthuse a group of 9 individuals
• Ability to ensure all group members are involved in discussions
• A “can do” mentality
• Ability to encourage and coach members of the team that may feel daunted or overwhelmed, whilst simultaneously managing the more outgoing members of the team
• Ability to ensure all members of the group work at the same pace and grasp each of the principles and key points
• Ability to pace themselves and ensure that their main focus is on the delegates getting the most out of the week