Interview Data From an Interview

¶ … interview data from an interview with a manager at the Target department store. The writer explored the manager's past employment, current job and steps it took to get there. In addition the manager answers some tough questions about how to manage employees and keep them motivated.

How long have you worked for Target?

I have worked for Target for about 10 years. I started in a Target in Tennessee because that is where I graduated from college, and then eventually transferred here because this is where I grew up and I wanted to be near family.

What was your job before becoming a manager at Target?

While I was in college I worked at Target as a cashier. Once I graduated from college I was promoted to head cashier and entered the company management training program..Within that program I have worked in every department, in almost every capacity the store offers. It has been a wonderfully well rounded experience for me.

How long have you worked at your company?

If you count the time I spent working here part time while in college I have been a Target associate for 14 years.

4. What made you decide to become a manager?

When I was still a freshman at college and worked at Target as a cashier I was given the opportunity to observe what a manager does. I love working with the public and I also enjoy motivating and supervising people, so I decided to move toward a career in management at a retail company. Because I was already at Target I was aware of their benefits and their career ladder program and decided to stay here.

5. What all does your job consist of?

My job consists of managing the 160 employees that work for this store as well as overseeing several areas including buying, public relations and promotional campaigns.

6. What are the degrees that you have, that help in becoming a manager?

I have a degree in Business Administration with a minor in retail management.

7. What is a typical day at work?

There really isn't a typical day. My day starts with conferring with the department heads and addressing any issues that are within that conference. In addition I deal with sales staff, purchasing agents, and of course the corporate office during cyclic times during the week, month, quarter and year.

8. How has technology in the organization help keep employees competent in their job?

We provide computer training to those who use them on the job. In addition we have the most advanced equipment at the cash register stations on the market as well as a superior inventory control software package.

9. What does management mean to you?

To me, management means the process by which an organization is operated through supervision, motivation and compassion for the products, the customers and the employees.

10. What is your ultimate goal career?

I am pretty content overseeing this store but someday I may work toward becoming a regional or statewide manager.

11. Who are some of the biggest suppliers for the equipment that are used at your business?

One of our biggest suppliers is Hewlitt Packard who supplies most of our computer technology equipment that helps us run the store. It is handled through our IT department.

12. How do you handle lack of structure at work?

We provide incentives including production, and sales goals in which employees can compete to win prize, trips etc. We also provide quotas to help the staff maintain a healthy pace at work.

13. When a problem arises, what are the processes of identifying and diagnosing the problem?

The employees closest to the problem are to bring it to their immediate supervisor who will address it or pass it up the chain of command until it lands on my desk.

14. When employees have conflicts between them, how do you use your managerial skills to help resolve them?

We work hard at placing employees together that work well together. We have a mediation and conflict resolution process too.

15. How many meetings do you have a week that involves other managers when making a group decision?

16. There may be many committees within the organization, do you try to get as many of your staff as possible to get involved?

Of course. If each person feels they are valued they are going to give their best efforts to us so we make sure that each employee feels and knows they are valued by Target.

17. Does the company use SWOT analysis?

Yes, not at the store level but at the corporate level.

18. The company is culturally diverse, how does the company handle clients that are of another nationality? What are the accommodations?