Leadership Lessons from a Lowe's University Trainer: Building Dedicated Leaders for Success

Sep 05, 2024

The bell has officially rung on summer, and school is back in session. Teachers and students have all been preparing lists of supplies and their can-do attitudes to kick off the new school year, and that sentiment is shared at Lowe's University and by the Trainers who work all year round to develop leadership.  

Cultivating passionate and dedicated leaders in every aspect of the organization is extremely important to Lowe's, but none more than the store manager and assistant store manager, who navigate the day-to-day operations and logistics of keeping stores running. Good store managers inspire their teams, but who inspires them? The Trainers at Lowe's University. The educators have a catalog of in-person and virtual courses to help leaders grow. One of those classes is led by Lowe's University Leadership Trainer Jennifer Carrender, the former store manager turned teacher, who is giving a lesson on how to bring out the best in people. Take notes. 

Lesson one? Learning is a lifelong pursuit.  

When we're put into leadership roles, suddenly, everyone looks at us like we know absolutely everything, but we learn it through trial and error, sharing with others, and being open to always continuing to learn. The biggest tool that somebody can have in their tool belt is always having their mind open to learning about the business, learning about themselves, and constantly challenging themselves to improve.

The next subject on the syllabus...be vulnerable. 
 

You can't just sing about all the great things you've done in your career. The real learning happens when you have those intense moments of vulnerability with the team. Sharing the raw truth of leadership and our experiences makes it an incredible experience.

And to wrap up today's lesson, Jennifer says - always be yourself. 
 

Don't try to be someone you're not because you have been recognized and given the role for a reason. Often, when leaders get into a new role and try to be what they think everybody wants them to be. They lose sight of being who got them there. 

For a little extra credit, Jennifer shares the universal truths she's discovered about leaders as a Lowe's University leadership trainer.  
 

They care about others. 

They love serving others. 

They love people.