Lindsey Ledbetter, Ph.D.’s Post

Week #15: the power of story-telling in operations, feels taboo, at times, even though we use stories to land the job. Throughout my leadership journey finding stories (internal/associate or external/customer facing) in motivating and inspiring my team in our performance and quality outputs - but more importantly in their leadership development has been the secret to my team’s success. This past week we introduced 4 new learning ambassadors to our shift. The 4 associates that sought out learning opportunities, excelled in all process paths, and lived out our leadership principle of insisting on the highest standards! None of the 4 had ever worked in a distribution center environment! When introduced to all associates, there was a spark in the air and a positive energy. I can foresee more associates coming forward and elevating their personal/professional standing at #Amazon #SSDFasterThanFast #StoriesMoveTheNeedle

A Memorable Week at the Market Manager Academy Meeting the Leaders Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to meet a group of passionate and dedicated leaders in Market Manager Academy. Their commitment to excellence and their drive to make a difference is truly inspiring. I'm proud to be a part of this dynamic community, where everyone strives to make their mark. The Walmart Culture What stood out during the week was the palpable presence of the Walmart culture in the field. Our values are not just words on paper, but a living, breathing entity that shapes our actions and decisions. It's heartening to see how this culture is making a real difference out there, touching lives, improving communities, and creating a positive impact. The Torch Continues to Shine The legacy of Mr. Sam, our founder, continues to guide us. His philosophy of servant leadership is the torch that lights our path. Every conversation, every decision, every action is driven by this guiding principle. It's an honor to see the torch being passed on, with the same spirit of service that Mr. Sam instilled in us. In the words of Mr. Sam: "The secret of successful retailing is to give your customers what they want." And this team, they are doing just that – every day, in every way. Here's to a future of continued learning, growth, and service. #Walmart #WalmartAcademy #MarketManagerAcademy #ServantLeadership #Legacy #MrSam #MakingADifference

WalMart recently announced they are investing in the leaders at the forefront – the store managers – a strategic move to ensure that the essence of the company's culture is seamlessly woven into every customer interaction. The announcement underscores the paramount importance of cultivating a strong organizational culture to drive success. Having learned and enhanced my understanding of culture and customer service during my tenure at Bed Bath & Beyond, the concept of prioritizing those closest to the customer resonates with me. Establishing a culture from the ground up, an inverted pyramid, ensures that the core values resonate at every level of the organization. As leaders, we must recognize that the individuals interacting with customers daily are the true torchbearers of the company's culture. Investing in them not only boosts morale but also creates a ripple effect, fostering a positive and customer-centric environment. In a world where consumer choices are influenced not just by products but by the experiences they encounter, building and investing in a distinctive culture with your people emerges as a powerful differentiator that transcends mere transactions and forges lasting connections. How are you building your company's culture? How are you engaging your associates to be the best for the customer and treat them with the importance they deserve? #CultureMatters #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement

Starbucks recently made a leadership change, replacing their CEO, Laxman Narasimhan, with Chipotle’s Brian Niccol. This shift immediately boosted Starbucks' stock by 25%, signaling a wave of renewed confidence from investors, employees, and customers alike. Why such a strong reaction? It’s simple: leadership matters. Narasimhan had been quoted as saying he doesn’t work a minute past 6 p.m., implying that after-hours communication was an exception rather than the norm. In contrast, Niccol is widely known for his accessibility, his ability to inspire, and his knack for driving innovation. This shows us an important lesson: having a leader who is both inspirational and approachable is critical to the success of any organization. People need to feel like they can connect with their leader, and that their leader will push the organization forward with vision and energy. When leadership embodies these qualities, it ignites hope and sparks innovation across the entire company. A leader who inspires and is approachable has the power to create a thriving culture that not only drives growth but also secures buy-in from every corner of the business. #leadership #cultur #inspire #Starbucks #organization #people

🚨 Never realized buying sauce will reinforce a leadership lesson 🚨 👁️🗨️A few days ago, I had an eye-opening experience that reinforced a crucial leadership lesson. 🛒 As someone who's very particular about checking expiry dates and ingredients when grocery shopping, I was taken aback when I realized I had mistakenly purchased an expired sauce. 🛍️Naturally, I headed back to the store, and fortunately, the owner, recognizing me as a loyal customer, agreed to the replacement despite my lack of a receipt. What happened next, however, left me deeply troubled. 🤬 Instead of handling the situation with grace, the owner proceeded to publicly scold and insult his staff for the oversight. My attempts to diffuse the situation however didn't help much. 📅 This incident struck a chord, resonating with memories of witnessing similar situations in my early career. It's disheartening to observe leaders publicly berating their teams, as it goes against the very essence of professionalism. 👨💼While I intuitively learned the importance of positive leadership early in my career, instances like these serve as stark reminders that this behavior still persists in some pockets. 🙏My request to all leaders and managers to please be mindful of how we handle such situations. Publicly reprimanding team members not only damages morale but also reflects poorly on leadership. 🧑🏫 If you encounter such behavior, take the initiative to coach the team lead or people manager involved. ⭐It is important to create a workplace culture where constructive feedback is delivered privately, fostering an environment of respect and growth. Have you had a similar experience? #respectatwork #lifelessons #leadership #compassion #storytelling #vikasdhall ================================================== Follow me at Vikas Dhall if you like what I share ===================================================

Last night at Wal-Mart, I experienced true leadership in action. 💡 John Maxwell defines leadership as influence. And I saw it firsthand. The cashier was the fastest I've ever seen. 🏃♀️💨 We chatted briefly. She said, “I know you have better things to do than wait in line. So I get you on your way quickly.” Her servant attitude was impressive. 🙌 She usually works in another part of the store. But when she checks out customers, everyone speeds up. Her efficiency challenges her coworkers. Leadership = Influence. One person’s excellence can elevate others. Her speed not only helps her line but also improves the overall customer experience. Think about your workplace. Do you influence those around you positively? 🌟 Do you inspire others to be more productive through your example? At home, do you set a positive tone for your family? Leadership = Influence. How are you leading today? 🌟

Last week, Starbucks announced Brian Niccol as its new CEO. Known for his transformative leadership, Niccol shares six key leadership lessons that are set to redefine Starbucks' future. But these lessons aren’t just about running a company—they’re about how learning and development are the drivers of leadership growth. 💡 The approach, focused on empowering teams, fostering continuous improvement, and embedding learning at every level, highlights a critical truth: the best leaders are those who never stop learning. By making L&D a strategic priority, Starbucks is cultivating the next generation of leaders who are ready to innovate and drive success. ☕️ This is just one example of how forward-thinking organizations are embracing leadership development and a growth mindset. As more companies prioritize continuous learning and curiosity, they’re not just preparing for the future—they’re actively shaping it. https://lnkd.in/eg5GeegU #LearningandDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #Starbucks #Learning

How do you build a healthy culture? Here is a look at some of the principles we could learn from how Starbucks has been led in the past. #leadership #wcleadwell https://lnkd.in/g_j5axit

"Be consistent on core values, and sharpen up the behaviors associated with them so that culture generates the right results." - Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart Walmart has four core values 1. Respect for individual 2. Strive for excellence 3. Serving the customers 4. Acting with Integrity Ensuring a company's behaviors and culture align with its core values is crucial. Over time, especially during periods of growth and technological adaptation, there is a risk that this alignment may weaken. It's a leadership responsibility to shape the culture during these times of transformational change. While maintaining consistency with core values is vital, it's equally important to refine and enhance the behaviors that reflect those values. Source: https://lnkd.in/eYWwEYh8 #culture #organizationalculture #corevalues #leadership #walmart

How do you build a healthy culture? Here is a look at some of the principles we could learn from how Starbucks has been led in the past. #leadership #wcleadwell https://lnkd.in/guDVK9wq