Newhouse agrees by saying that retail-oriented students must know at least the basics of computer science. Newhouse also advocates courses in philosophy, sociology, and psychology for the student to learn how people think. These courses will help the retail employee understand and interact with the customers. This viewpoint is echoed by Ruby Johnson, a branch bank manager for Barnett Bank, the largest bank headquartered in the state of Florida. The retail sales functions of the branch banker include the attraction of deposits, the making of loans and the selling of packaged or bundled accounts as well as affiliate products such as trust and brokerage accounts.
Banks offer training programs for aspiring branch managers.
Be there for a purpose. Exhibit patience, and be willing to go that extra mile. Johnson supervises 10 staff persons, including two other managers. Sometimes the retail manager is called upon to resolve a friction between a customer and a staff member. In her 12 years with Barnett Bank, Johnson has developed the philosophy that it is important to master the art of being consistent with customers while recognizing and adapting to the different needs and desires that different customers bring to the retail establishment.