The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on standard retail and corporate management structures, the most logical answer is:
The ASM
Explanation
The correct answer to the question “Who should deliver the CSS touch base meeting?” depends on the specific organizational hierarchy of the company, but in most common structures, the Assistant Store Manager (ASM) is the most appropriate choice.
A “touch base meeting” is typically a brief, regular check in designed for status updates, immediate problem solving, and ongoing support. The key to its effectiveness is a direct and consistent line of communication. In a standard retail model, the Customer Service Supervisor (CSS) or a similar department lead reports directly to an Assistant Store Manager. The ASM is responsible for the day to day operations and performance of the departments and supervisors under their purview. Therefore, it is the ASM’s direct responsibility to maintain regular contact, provide guidance, and address operational concerns with the CSS. This makes them the ideal person to deliver these routine meetings.
While the Store Manager (SM) holds ultimate responsibility for the entire store, they typically manage the ASMs. Involving the SM in every CSS touch base would be an inefficient use of their time and could undermine the ASM’s authority. Likewise, a Market Manager (MM), who oversees multiple stores, would be far too removed from daily store level operations to conduct such a meeting. Meetings delivered “in tandem” by multiple managers are usually reserved for more formal or significant events, such as annual performance reviews or major policy changes, not for a regular, informal touch base. For routine operational alignment, the direct supervisor, the ASM, is the most effective and logical leader to conduct the meeting.
