Every DM released from our store had over 7 years service. The only DM that was not selected that had less than 7 years, had less than 1 year service. The SM moved two specialsts around and opened up a specialist posiition in his dept. Guess who is getting that specialist position? When our SM called everyone in to tell us we were not selected, he would not even look at us in the eye and do it. He read it off of a script. Is this the way others Lowe's SM dd it or was it just my spineless SM?
15 replies (most recent on top)
Script...was told it was really close and that all the asms respected me and spoke highly of me in their assessment meeting. No mention of why I didn't get one. I've been with lowes 10 years, worked installed sales, paint, home decor, flooring, millwork, admin, and customer service. Know all the administration paperwork, scheduling, can even close out payroll and do all the opening and closing responsibilities...not one of the ones selected have the diversity that I have or the knowledge of the company I have. It is what it is...Lowes needs to learn how to make their employees love where they work and will find in doing so their employees will help the customers love where they live. I know so many people who have gone on to bigger and better things after they've separated from Lowe's. Hoping for the same thing for all of us!
Does anyone feel that age or salary played a role in who was fired. I was one of two that were fired, both of us the highest paid and the oldest.
I'm sorry for your loss in working for Lowes. I'm also trying to forgive the fact that the heroes project has stopped and my family must pay the price. Thank you for your time.
Same script. I failed the answers on the interview..ha ha ha. I guess I didnt learn anything after 20 yrs with this co. They want people that are yes sir,no sir kinda folks. Those shoes dont fit me..I go back to the dept I was hired into 20 yrs ago. Sh--....I've come full circle. I have a year, payback baby!!!
Our SM read the script as well. He was very open in terms of answering questions why he selected the DMs that where promoted/demoted. Overall I have to admit I think he did as fair a job as he could. There were 3 that were no brainers for the new roles. They all had been in multiple departments and their current departments where consistently the best performing, and each of them had filled in as standing ASMs in our store and neighboring stores. The other 4 spots where good DMs as well. Only one of the 7 promoted has been with the lowes for less than 5 years and he was ASM for another company before coming to us. Still s---s for those of us who didn't get selected but comparing to the horror stories I've read on here I think it was pretty open process. I had only been a DM for 4 months so I knew I wasn't getting in but even from some of the others that weren't they've mostly said the same.
My SM and HR called me on my day off. They then went on to read me the scripted b.s. over the phone. I ended up hanging up on them to try and enjoy the rest of my Friday off. However, it was ruined and so I called in sick Saturday and Sunday, and returned today. Only to find that my SM was too much of a coward to speak to me or even acknowledge me when I turned in my manager keys and override card. My HR acted as stupid as usual, smiling and la dee da as she gave me my new name badge. When this all started and we were all scrambling to know what was going to happen, she told me "not to worry about it". What a dipshit. Hope their time comes soon.
I'm also part of the seasoned DMs that were not selected. Worked for 10 years in a $50 plus store. Started as a team leader, appliance specialist then DM. Refused to be an ASM because I'd lose my SPIFF allowance (several 100s). I was initially pissed off that none of the very experienced DM was selected- we've been running the store for years because the ASM turnover rate at my store is very high (none lasts for a year and a half!). It's a tough market with demanding and tough customers who feel entitled to best service/products but a no cost! But after working as a CSA for the past 3 days, I'm loving it!! (I know it's a temporary position, but I'm still having fun). I don't have to worry about anyone/anything else except myself. All customer complaints (which were bulk of my previous position) are being forwarded to my clueless service manager! Sometimes I'm feeling like stepping in and guide him on how to resolve issues, then I'm like, screw it, I'm a csa!! It's day 3 and deliveries are already screwed (and a lot of MRs not done). The receiving/delivery bay is a mess that will take days to fix. To some extent I feel sorry for the new SMs because they seem overwhelmed.
They want me to train my knowledge why do you need me learn by your great employees
Yup script. I had more experience exemplary service. They don't care. Need health insurance or I would have quit. Keep hiring the illiterate:) go lowes
My SM doesn't have the balls to say anything. He just sat there and let HR do all the talking. Sniveling coward rather keep people to protect his worthless a-- then do what is right for store and customers. He can't even answer a question on the floor by a customer. How do these incompetent managers keep their positions?? Oh I know it's because no ones exposes them. Well I am all for it and other ASM's want too also.. They want him gone.. Funny thing is the ASM's didn't have much input on who was selected.
My SM did it the same way. Eyes on a paper and no eye contact.
At my ex-store they got rid of 1 ASM with over 20 years of experience, a big loss, and 1 ASM who had less than 10 years experience, not much of a loss. The funny thing is the all but 1 of the remaining ASMs became ASMs to get off the floor and away from customers. From the new staffing model they now have to be on the floor a lot. They will have to deal with the irate customers and disgruntled employees Ha, ha, no more hiding in the back playing on the Ipad and watching funny cat videos. I wonder how long 1 in particular will fare now that he is over 6 departments including 2 of the store's busiest, OSLG and ISLG. He is being set up to fail.
The DMs self selected themselves in an interesting way. 4 opted out. 2 are at or past normal retirement ages and were not long for working anyway. 1 of the best opted out. He is smart and on the younger side. I guess he saw the writing on the wall. The other was a decent DM. All the DMs who were brought in from the outside over the last 4 months and even last couple of weeks before the layoff announcements did not get offered positions. I am sure they no longer have any loyalty to Lowe's. In the end the SM picked a fairly decent crew of ex-DMs including the only woman DM who opted in and the only person of color in the store.
It will be interesting to see which ASMs and DMs that got selected are still there in 6 or 12 months. I am not sure they all will, or can, bear the work load that seems to be coming there way. Some people on the floor are looking for new jobs. I have told a number of the FT on the floor that don't be surprised if you don't end up training your replacements from the seasonal hires. Lowe's will be going after the FT people on the floor to get rid of benefits.
So happy that I bailed when I did. So sad for my friends I left behind.
It was totally a form letter. Lowes did not want them to deviate from reading it for fear of lawsuits.
My sm read a script as well. In there with the HR mgr. After he told me I did not make it he told me how important I was to the store. Smack smack
They were given talking points.