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Home >> Profiles of Success >> Group Sales Manager >> Lasonja |
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Lasonja |
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Group Sales Manager
"I'm a person who sets high standards for myself and those that work for me. I strive to be the best and to help those around me be the best. I think this company sets high standards for its employees and expects the best."
 | Why did you join Macy's Central and why have you stayed? | |
I enjoy working in retail. I joined Macy's Central because my family relocated. The reason I've stayed is that the company is family-oriented. I've been able to raise my three kids and work at the same time, which has been great. Macy's, Inc. understands that family life is important and works with its employees so that they can spend time with their families.
| What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities? | |
I enjoy the interaction with my sales associates and the customers. I work a lot with the sales associates because my responsibilities are to coach, to train and to be a mentor. I've trained many associates that successfully advanced to positions in different locations. I really enjoy working with the sales associates and helping them grow professionally. This is a rewarding experience for me. I get a lot of self-satisfaction from seeing the people I've trained move on and become successful.
| What contribution do you make to your division and how does this contribute to the company's overall success? | |
I'm a person who sets high standards for myself and those that work for me, a philosophy shared by Macy's. I strive to be the best and to help those around me be the best. My contribution is achieving high standards in service and working with others to help them achieve those high standards as well. I make sure that the people here are striving for outstanding customer service every single day.
| What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company? | |
I've had a lot of great experiences here but I think the most memorable was last Christmas when the shelter came to pick up the gifts that we had collected for children. I had always participated in donating these gifts but I had never been around when they received the gifts. To see the expression on the children's faces was wonderful. It was very rewarding to know that these kids would have the same type of Christmas that other kids had and that we were a part of making that happen.
| How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you? | |
I started out in cosmetics and worked my way up to counter manager. The training I received enabled me to move forward and eventually become a sales manager. As a counter manager I learned a lot about the business that prepared me for my current position. The training I received at Macy's Central is more detailed and more in-depth than training I've received at other companies. Macy's works hard to prepare you for your job.
| Is community involvement important to you, have you been involved in any projects in your division and was this something you considered when joining the company? | |
It's very important to me. I've been involved in a lot of Partners in Time programs. I've worked on a project called Christmas in April, where we get a team together to renovate homes for families in need. Working on these homes is a very rewarding experience. To see it from the beginning and watch as the changes take place is truly a wonderful thing. The look on the families' faces makes you feel great. It's truly an amazing experience to see how grateful people are that you took the time to help them do the things that they wouldn't normally be able to do. I didn't consider community involvement when joining the company but once I got here and realized how important it is to the company, it made me feel good to work here.
| What do you like best about your work environment? | |
I like the people. The company has encouraged us to have a best friend at work; someone that we can talk to and depend on. This really helps you get through the day-to-day issues, knowing that you can talk it over with someone else. The people-friendly atmosphere also makes it easier to work with my associates. I have a good relationship with my associates and that helps when you have to handle difficult situations. Macy's Central really stresses the team concept.
| What personal interests/hobbies do you have and how do you balance them with your work? | |
My hobby is listening to music. I've gotten to a point in my life where I want to relax. Macy's Central encourages a balanced work and personal life. I think you need to rejuvenate yourself away from the job in order to be the best you can when you are here. The company understands this and makes sure that its employees achieve a balance in their lives. Full-time associates now receive at least two weekends off a month which gives you the time to do the things that you want to do.
| What advice would you give to a new employee joining the company in a position similar to yours? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals? | |
Be honest and have integrity. Always remember that hard work eventually pays off. I would recommend new employees open themselves up and step out of their comfort zone in order to learn more and grow. Another important skill is to be understanding of others. I never ask my associates to do anything that I'm not willing to do myself. I am also always willing to learn. When I started out, I sought out people that were willing to teach and I found mentors that worked with me. Every single day you have the opportunity to advance in this company. New employees should take advantage of that by learning as much as they can.
| What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc. and specifically for Macy's? | |
I see more stores and, in turn, more sales. I also see a continued focus on customer service. We are moving to an outstanding level of customer service and that separates us from our competitors. The industry is constantly changing and we must change in order to grow. For my division, I see us striving to achieve outstanding customer service. We will continue to work with our loyal customers while at the same time striving to bring in new customers.
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