Great brand, but retail leadership culture is toxic and getting worse.
Pros
Product is genuinely great. Very easy to get behind. Field teams are passionate and constantly finding ways to make it work. Some very capable people throughout the org who are passionate and care about the work.
Cons
Feedback is regularly collected, but not acted on. Feedback surveys feel performative. Hard conversations and self-reflections are avoided, and responses are obviously filtered to control the narrative, appeal to ego rather than address issues. Recent corporate awards were a clear example of this. Actual winners are deserving, but it also felt like leadership seized an opportunity and recognized some to spin a narrative that doesn't reflect the reality the retail team is experiencing. Retail leader is problematic. Communication from her is inconsistent, unclear, and often comes after decisions are already made. Huge org changes have been made recently without context, planning, accountability or kindness. There is no safe space to raise concerns. Leadership often discuss team members behind closed doors rather than giving direct, constructive feedback. Feels conspiratorial and has created a culture of distrust, and a constant undercurrent of fear. Strategy changes frequently, but expectations are rarely if ever clarified. You are held accountable for outcomes, but rarely given a clear path or support to get there. Retail leadership shifts direction frequently, often contradicting prior guidance, which makes doing your job incredibly difficult. Accountability is doled out inconsitently. Stringent and brutal for some, lenient and mild for others. Morale is low. Most people in the retail org feel discouraged, unheard, and are at risk, regardless of performance.
