I recently quit my job at Target after 14+ years of service as department manager (team leader). What started as a "summer job" became my life for the next decade and a half. I used to love and enjoy my job. I was proud of my accomplishments and I felt so lucky to be part of a true TEAM. I must clarify that it was NOT like this five years ago... things have taken a turn for the worse... Here are my observations on how things deteriorated:
--No more promoting from inside. team members used to be able to work their way up the ladder to team leaders, executives, store managers, etc. That way you'd have someone that KNOWS the ins and outs of the company/store and how things work. Instead they started hiring "kids" right out of college to be store executives. They were clueless and lazy and felt entitled. Plus, it's quite demoralizing when you, as a "lowly" team member have to train the store executives. No college degree = No promotions.
-- Technology No Up To Par: You can't be competitive when your computer systems/software/programs/etc are so antiquated that they create so many time consuming problems that instead of making your job easier, they hinder your progress. Don't get me wrong, Headquaterrs constantly comes up with "updates" and "new technologies" ... they are either not implemented properly, or never released in full or just plain don't work.
-- Limited resources: There's always a "new program" to drive sales, and you have to stick to it or you'll be penalized. BUT you are not provided with the resources (staff/payroll/time) to be able to implement those programs.
-- The fiasco known as Target Canada: This failed expansion to the north bled the stateside stores dry. Stupid move. The company sacrificed maintaining/improving stores for the sake of this risky venture. If you're really interested in expanding, open a handful of stores, work out the kinks, then expand once you have it nailed down. You should not invest billions of dollars and then just cross your fingers that it works out. TGT is not carrying its weight and the best thing they could do is take the hit and shut it down.
-- One of the company slogans used to be "One Team One Way": Well, not anymore... work conditions have created this divide... well, CHASM between "team members" and "Team Leaders" and "Executives" and "Store Managers". Team members are being considered "shift fillers", team leaders are nothing but glorified "shift fillers", most executives are spoiled brats that believe their job description is "just sit in the office and chit chat all day, except when pulling team leaders/members in the office to yell at them for not being 'productive'. And finally, store managers are so consumed with keeping this boat afloat that they have NO clue of what goes on in the store. Except for whatever lines the executives are feeding them.
-- Good On Paper, Not in Reality aka Big Boys Club: I've seen my share of people being promoted that didn't deserve it and plenty of hard working individuals that fall by the wayside because they are not "buddies" with upper management. Sad. I've seen so much talent goes to waste simply because they are not part of the "in crowd".
-- Unrealistic Expectations Set by Clueless Management: We've heard so many times "oh, that should take you like 10 minutes" while referring to a task that, regardless of how efficiently and fast you work WILL take you at least an hour. But, they don't want to hear it... in fact, they add more tasks to it...
-- Disconnect from HQ with Stores: Sometimes I wonder if HQ staff have ever set foot (much less WORK) at an actual store. Judging by the unrealistic projects they want accomplished, I'd say NO.
-- Scores, Scores, Scores: Every department has scores they have to maintain and keep "green". That is only achievable if the store as a whole is doing what it is supposed to be doing... but alas, it is not. Sure, you can always fake your scores... as long as it looks good on paper, who cares how you got there.
-- "Revolving Door" mentality: Yes, I'm well aware that turnover numbers are HUGE in retail. But, if you do have a talented, responsible employee you should listen and try to keep them happy. And a single "team survey" once a year does not cut it. Specially if it's not worked on. But who cares, right... there's always more people looking for jobs.
-- Job/Life Balance: HA! I've known so, so many GOOD team leaders that have either quit or demoted themselves because of the stress and negative work conditions. Stress levels zap any joy you had in working there. Your family life suffers and your health deteriorates. It is definitely not worth it.
-- Drink the Kool Aid and you'll be fine... or use a few brain cells and kiss your sanity goodbye!
Having said all this, I must clarify that there's probably stores out there that run smoothly and have a great management team. But they are few... and judging by the declining sales and general malaise felt by employees, I'd guess they are fewer and fewer every day. And proof of this is the jaw dropping amount of team leaders and executives jumping ship and looking for other jobs... and a big number of those who remain are actively looking for better opportunities.
I do hope the company gets their act together... or it's gonna be a bleak forecast for the Bullseye.
