A lot of executives say they have an open door policy but do little to actually encourage the kind of approachability implied by the term. Not Target Chair and CEO Brian Cornell. Since being hired as CEO at retail giant Target—that’s nearly 2,000 stores plus 400,000 team members—he has literally immersed himself in developing close mentoring relationships with his team.
And he’s done it by taking 10-15 of his officers at a time on a two-day, “accelerated mentorship program” during which Brian and his team travel to different parts of the country, spend time in Target stores and distribution centers, and meet with board members or shareholders—even other CEOs who have something to teach them.
He does eight such immersions each year.
“It’s a chance to build connections, it’s a chance to teach and give them new experiences,” said Brian during the podcast. “I took a group to Memphis, where we’ve had a long partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but also to experience the Target House where in any given week, we support 100 families whose children are going through cancer treatment. It gives our team an amazing sense for the values of the company and the impact we’re having.”
Nothing breaks down individual “walls” and builds trust faster than an open door that leads out of the building and into the world beyond a company’s four walls. First, explains Brian, it’s educational. “They’ll have certain memories and perspectives now on the business that they’ve never had before,” he said of his fellow travelers.
Second, these connections grease the wheels for future spots the team may encounter. “If there’s any concern about how we interact, it all fades away because they realize we’re all part of one team.” Brian pointed out.
Leaders who want to turn their open door policy into something truly transformational will enjoy Brian’s tips and insights, including:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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