Target’s Store Director Development Program now available to nearly 2,000 leaders across the U.S.
Target has expanded its Store Director Development Program (SDDP) nationwide following a successful pilot. The six-month initiative, designed by store directors for store directors, is now available to nearly 2,000 leaders across its U.S. store network.
The program was developed to enhance store leadership in a fast-paced retail environment. The SDDP, which has been designed in response to input and in partnership with survivors and advocates, aims for authentic learning, peer-to-peer connection and practical skill development.
It mixes on-site and digital formats, like guided peer groups, digital exercises and on-the-job projects based around store-level challenges.
Each program cycle begins with an in-person workshop at Target’s Minneapolis headquarters, providing participants with an opportunity to get to know both company leadership and one another.
Peer learning is a key part of the design, with facilitated small group sessions and ongoing support from District Senior Directors. Reflection and experimentation are facilitated by the digital tools between sessions.
Pilot data shows strong results. Over 90 percent of them indicated that the training would make them a better performer.
Personal development favorability scores shot up by 36%, 97% of participants say they plan to stay at Target. Nearly everyone — 99 percent — said they had formed a lifelong peer network.
Target’s deployment of SDDP represents a significant investment in sustainable leadership capacity for their nearly 2,000-store chain.
