Forget the ladder, try the grappling hook
“A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected.” A popular quote that perfectly encapsulates exactly what Ann-Marie Campbell is all about. Campbell is the executive vice president of the U.S. Home Depot stores, but she hasn’t always been a C-suite executive. Campbell actually began her career as a cashier at Home Depot in 1985.
From inspired to inspiring
So what makes a good executive, anyway? In Campbell’s case, it’s sincerity, generosity, and a genuine sense of concern and appreciation for the people around her. She’s a motivator, an encourager, and a team player. Things everyone needs to be a good employee, and qualities good employees want in a great boss.
No one wants to feel like they don’t matter; whether your job is taking out the trash or running a Fortune 500 company, you want to feel like what you do makes a difference, and people like Campbell can certainly do that. But what if you want to be a Campbell? What if you want to be the one to encourage, inspire, and support? What should you focus on?
Asking for what you need
Campbell’s told Forbes, “[my boss] told me I was promoted for a reason and that he would help. But I had to ask for what I needed.” We’ve talked about this before, but one of the most important things you can do as an employer and as an employee is learn when you need to ask for help.
When do you need to prioritize, outsource, and take a step back to regroup?
Knowing what you need and how to go about getting it can make a big difference in how you feel about your boss and your job in general.
If you’re not sure what you need, or how to get it, Campbell suggests asking someone who’s been in a similar situation; there’s no shame in asking for help. It may be the very thing that helps you get that next promotion.
After more than three decades, Campbell’s mission at the company hasn’t changes much. She still wants every store associate feel knowledgeable, important, and respected—because when that happens, the customers they’re taking care of are likely to feel the same way.
On your side
In her Forbes interview, “Campbell reflects for a moment on the young man who wanted to be a store manager by age 30. ‘You know, I’ve been at Home Depot longer than he’s been alive,’ she says thoughtfully. ‘But what’s going to keep him around for 31 years?’” She pauses to let the question sink in, and then answers it herself: “That’s my big job now.”
When you take the time to consider someone else, you’re more likely to have happy, productive employees.
While you have to believe in yourself to be successful, it certainly helps to have someone else on your side cheering you on. It doesn’t matter what job you’re doing, having someone believe in you can make all the difference between success and failure.
