2 things help Walmart workers get promoted quickly, according to chief people officer Donna Morris
Excel in the current role
Morris, who oversees Walmart’s workforce of more than 2 million people worldwide, says fast-advancing employees focus on making a difference in the jobs they already have. She told Business Insider that standout workers give at least as much attention to doing today’s work exceptionally well as they do to future opportunities.
Take on more responsibility
After establishing themselves in their current roles, employees can show readiness for a higher position by accepting work beyond what is expected, Morris said. She encouraged workers to ask about new ideas or volunteer for initiatives. Such contributions can demonstrate an ability to handle greater responsibility.
Experience with frontline work
When evaluating candidates, Morris looks for signs of perseverance. She also values frontline experience, noting that most of Walmart’s 2.1 million employees start in frontline jobs. That background does not have to be in retail: Morris said babysitting or helping with a family business can also provide relevant experience. She said understanding the work of frontline hourly employees is important for future leaders. Morris began working at 13 in a dry cleaner’s and took a drugstore job two years later.
Key points
- Walmart promotes roughly 500 employees daily, Morris said.
- Morris says successful employees excel in their current jobs and take on work beyond expectations.
- Volunteering for new initiatives can demonstrate readiness for more responsibility.
- Morris values perseverance and frontline experience, which can come from outside retail.