Armand Lobato on managing when stores are understaffed

For this week's episode, we're delighted to feature a conversation with Armand Lobato, a longtime produce manager who has also spent time as a supervisor, buyer and in other roles in the produce world. Armand and host Ashley Nickle discuss how produce managers can best handle understaffed situations — either temporary or chronic. Armand talks department priorities; utilizing team members as efficiently as possible; enlisting help from elsewhere in the store; advocating for more hours from the store director; taking your case for more hours to the produce higher-ups; creating flexibility in produce department roles to help recruitment and retention; and much more. Hope you enjoy the conversation!  For more episodes featuring produce manager perspective, check out this curated playlist for plenty of thought-provoking discussion.  More Playlists Executive Perspective Leadership & Training Marketing & Merchandising Podcast Background This podcast is designed to cover all things produce retail: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and beyond. Scroll through our episodes list to find conversations with vice presidents and directors of produce, merchandisers, produce managers, retail dietitians and more. Get Involved The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, a former trade journalist turned consultant. Have an idea for a topic or a guest? Give her a shout on LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.