It takes COordinators to create COllaborative shopping experiences!

“Ah! We finally made it to the mall! The 4 pm traffic was awful! Alright, we have a lot to do and very little time. The party is tomorrow! Lucy, Rahul let’s get going! Let’s go to the cake shop first!”
“Excuse me, my colleague here, Lucy ordered a 5kg coffee caramel cake last week. Hope it is ready…”

“Yes sir, it’s almost done! We just need to add some finishing touches”

“Great! Lucy, can you stay here and collect it? Thanks! Meet me at the billing counter when you’re done”
“Rahul and I shall go and check out the return gifts and T-shirts. Rahul, could you please go to the departmental store on the second floor and collect those mugs we ordered? And if possible, please get them packed! Thank you so much! You’re the best!”

“Sure, not an issue at all! If I have time, I’d like to check out their new carpet collection too!”

“Now now Rahul, the carpets can wait. Eyes on the mugs please. We can’t get carried away with the party being right around the corner!”

Our shopper here is a classic Coordinator. Coordinator shoppers possess the power of delegation. They can effectively delegate work in a calm and confident manner. They get the best out of people, no matter what the task is.

*At the T-shirt section*

“I need 20 T-shirts with the company’s logo printed on the front. The T-shirts must be white and collared. Here is a list of the number of Tees of different sizes.”
“Sir, we have the sizes but the printing  will take two hours at least! You should’ve come earlier..”
“Yes you’re right, but you are the best in the business. I’m sure you can do it! I need them delivered in my office by 10 pm tonight. What help will you require?”

 “I can try keeping them ready here by 10 pm..”

Smiling, “Ok I’ll have them collected from here at 10”

“Sure Sir..”

“Rahul, did you manage to get those mugs?”

“Yes Sir! I’m having a hard time bringing them downstairs! But I’ll manage don’t worry”

“Sure, but make it fast. I’m waiting at the counter”
“Lucy, did you finalise on the cake? And shouldn’t we get some bread as well? Ask the cake guy if he makes bread, no? If so order around 10 loaves! That should be enough! Also, can you pick up party hats and decorations? What would I do without you Lucy?”

Our Coordinator shopper doesn’t lose sight of the larger picture. They have broad, outwardly perspective of things. They will not delve into details. It doesn’t matter to them. They make sure people don’t lose sight of their goals and get distracted.

*At the billing counter*

Lucy “Look at him standing there with no bags, nothing in his hand!”

“And here I am carrying a 5kg cake and three bags of bread!”

Rahul, laughing “Well! I have to pack 20 mugs tonight because the gift wrapping guy was too busy for our order!”

Our boss here manages to get everyone do everything for him! And with such ease! I find that annoying but can’t help but admire him nevertheless..”

Coordinators are like the conductors of an orchestra. They know when to get whom to play. It may seem like they’re not doing much…but they surely get their act together! 

How much of a Coordinator do you have in you?