Truer words have never been spoken...although I'll never say I'm better at my job than either of my GSTL's, they're wonderful and I look up to them both. But the rest of it...oh so true.
My advice:
1.)You're going to have quite a load on your shoulders, and it will seem pretty overwhelming in the beginning. I definitely had times the first couple weeks where I hid in the bathroom and cried - and I have been in management before, and as stressful as that was it didn't seem to compare to this. Things will seem really unfair and it will seem like you have to answer to your higher-ups for things that are not in your control. But you'll start to realize, you do have more control than you think, and only experience will get you to that point. Let the experience guide you there and make sure you learn something new every day. Take something new from every bad experience. Sometimes you won't be able to take something new from it right away, but after some reflection, you should be able to gain something from it. Make that a point, as hard as it can be sometimes.
2.)METRICS. Pay attention to metrics, very close attention. Go over those metrics with the cashiers weekly, make sure they understand what they are looking at and why it's important. If their performance is subpar, challenge them on it. Ask them what they think the underlying issue may have been. I find that when you challenge them - not in a threatening way, but in a way that gets them to reflect on their issues and try to understand it themselves, it really improves their performance (usually, anyway - you will always have those few who just don't give a damn no matter what - but don't let up on them or treat them any different from the rest of the bunch. They should be held to the same degree of accountability). And always, always work with them on whatever needs to be worked on. You're on their side and you're there to help them be the best they can be.
3.)Start building relationships with your TL's/ETL's - no matter how much you may dislike them. You'll be dealing with them more directly now, and it's important to have good communication. As much as you may not like some of them, there will come a point where you're gonna need their help with something. And if you can get them on your side, awesome. If not, just grin and fake those hellos until the door hits their ass on the way out.
4.)Definitely expect your relationships to change with some people, and definitely expect it to be uncomfortable at first. Some people are never okay with watching someone who was their peer step up and become a leader. This one lady in particular, who was so sweet to me before, became really mean and nasty, and had to be coached a couple of times for blowing up on me in front of guests...she stopped after that, but she still tries to get me in trouble whenever she can and it's obvious she can't stand my face. She just gets this nasty look when I even come near her. Other people who I thought were my friends just pretty much quit talking to me...but I look at that as more of a blessing - I know who my true friends are now - there are a lot fewer than I thought, but I love those few to death. I also gained a few friends who I never thought I'd say a word to or have anything in common with. These are the people that keep me at Target, and I'm so grateful for all of them.
I'll end this now, sorry it was so long. Good luck, and we're here for you whenever!
