Catch-Up With Tumediso Elliot

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Retail Group.

I am Tumediso Elliot and I joined Retail Group in 2008 as a Cashier at Debonairs Pizza Riverwalk. In 2014 I was promoted to an Assistant Branch Manager position at Debonairs Pizza Broadhurst. As an Assistant Branch Manager, I navigated between two stores Debonairs Pizza Broadhurst followed by Debonairs Pizza Rail Park in 2018.  Through dedication and hard work, I pushed myself to the top from being a Cashier to Assistant Branch Manager to currently being a Branch Manager for Debonairs Pizza Kazungula since 2021.

2. What is the best part of leading the team at (restaurant?)

Teamwork and cooperation are the best things about leading my team. My team here at Debonairs Pizza Kazungula is cooperative, and goal driven. So, they push for us to achieve set goals. Besides that, leading a team has personally encouraged growth in me to be responsible and to be accountable to my employer which is a privilege.

3. What are some of the challenges?

In our industry, we have a challenge of a short life cycle of staff staying with the company since the kitchen team member position is an entry job. As we have new staff time and again and this may happen while others are on their annual leaves, as a manager you must be hands-on and step into the role to make sure work is completed.  The other challenge is the responsibility itself of being a leader, though it is a challenge when I am having any difficulty I turn to my line manager who is our Area Manager for guidance, and I also learn from the challenge itself with my Area Manager’s help.

3. How do you build a team of people who are willing to offer exceptional customer experiences?

By prioritizing communication and offering feedback to the team. For example, giving feedback about our Store Evaluation and Mystery Shopper results. This helps the team know what they are excelling in to keep it up and areas in which they need to improve to offer exceptional customer service.

4. Can you describe your restaurant culture and the values that drive it?

In our store we learn to accommodate each other, to treat each other equally. The same rule that applies to me applies to everyone; we do not discriminate. This results in driving the value of being Customer-Led and appreciating the value of Teamwork.

5. Who is Tumediso outside of working hours?

I enjoy spending time with my niece. I take her out for shopping. I also enjoy touring our neighboring countries Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is really energizing just watching the majestic mass is refreshing.

6. What do you look forward to in your future (professionally and personally?)

Th have been elevated to a higher position with more responsibilities. In the next two years, I would like to become an Area Manager.

 7. What advice can you give to people who would like to follow in your footsteps?

To be patient and have hopes in whatever dreams they have. It is very helpful to envision it. I have always envisioned myself to be a Branch Manager and here I am.

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