Do you have a seat at the table?
submitted by Sharon Dindal, Meijer

Do you have a seat at the decision-making table? How many times have you heard someone say "do they ever consult LP when these decisions are made?" Or maybe as a loss prevention leader you've thought to yourself "they never include me when they make decisions affecting the company." If you are consistently asking yourself and others those questions, then ask yourself why? Loss prevention leaders possess experience, passion, drive, intuition, inspiration, and competitive spirit, amongst other strong attributes. Aren't these the qualities that are looked for in other leaders in the company that make decisions?

The real question is how are you influencing the leaders around you to see the value you add to the company? All of the characteristics found in a seasoned leader are a great foundation to build on, but your focus should be on how you move from being a "necessary evil" to an essential piece of the profit puzzle. A true decision making partner that has a seat and a voice at the table. Some of you have already perfected the skill of making yourself important to an organization; you know the secret. But are you sharing that knowledge with others? Read the headlines. Companies are downsizing in this weak economy and many LP jobs have and will be eliminated. The greatest threat to loss prevention is often the lack of strategic planning and inability to make the department relevant to the business. It's not easy; it takes hard work, commitment, a good mentor and a lot of politics.

Cultivate great relationships, even with people you don't like. The relationships you foster will mold long-term opinions of who we are and what we do. Lead like a business owner, because you own your business, your reputation and your worth. Don't find yourself operating in a silo. Explore other areas and learn something outside of your expertise. Remember, you share the same business goals as your partners, and your knowledge and influence in areas outside of LP can pay huge rewards down the road. Challenge yourself to be a holistic leader that can affect teams at all levels in the organization. Don't get so lost in just describing what is wrong, but instead concentrate on how you solve problems and recommend solutions. Teach, coach, train, mentor, and be something to others as you will develop yourself in the process and add value to the business.

A final thought, when you walk into a store or office and the look on faces is one of fear, anger or frustration, you still have relationships to develop. Gauge success on people not fleeing when you enter a room and instead telling you how invaluable you are because you are a true partner and a problem solver.