In a world where customer demands continually shift, Kmart Group stands strong with its global team of over 31,000 members. Across borders and time zones, we have harnessed the power of diversity and talent, guided by our core values: Take Care, Grow Together, Live Integrity, Reach Higher and Think Customer.

The path to this achievement involves connecting global teams and transcending the challenges of distance and diverse cultures. The key to accomplishing this feat lies in the core of our work culture, a culture that fosters a sense of value, engagement, and empowerment in each team member, all with a singular purpose – to deliver excellence to our customers.

My journey with Kmart Group began in 2019 when I joined the Kmart Australia Sourcing Group Asia (KGA) office in Delhi. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of closely observing our workplace culture. Through these observations, I’ve come to appreciate the profound importance of fostering a positive and healthy work culture more than ever.

Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed our team’s remarkable growth, and I’m eager to share some of the valuable insights I’ve gained.

A culture of learning

Learning is a lifelong journey, and a thriving workplace empowers its team members to continually develop new skills – through formal training as well as through our daily interactions. My motivation is simple – I come to the office to seize the opportunity to learn from my fellow team members. After all, we spend 8-10 hours a day at the office; it only makes sense to make that time as fulfilling as possible.

I encourage my team to embrace new challenges and opportunities, always learning from both their successes and failures.

The Power of Approachability

Approachability is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It bridges the gaps between hierarchy and camaraderie, connecting people in the professional world. Active listening, done with attention, curiosity, and empathy, is essential in creating a sense of belonging among team members.

It allows us to understand different perspectives, needs, and expectations while involving team members in decision-making and providing constructive feedback.

The Role of Leadership and Respect

Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping an organization’s culture. They set the direction, tone, and vision for their teams.

Respect, to me, is a cornerstone of effective leadership. This becomes even more pivotal during conflict or uncertainty, as respect helps maintain harmony, stability, and positivity in the workplace. I firmly believe in treating team members with the respect I seek, even during challenging times.

Advice for Newcomers

For freshers, I have a few words of advice:

Respect, to me, is a cornerstone of effective leadership. This becomes even more pivotal during conflict or uncertainty, as respect helps maintain harmony, stability, and positivity in the workplace. I firmly believe in treating team members with the respect I seek, even during challenging times.

• Be open to both unlearning and learning. Unlearning here means letting go of old habits or assumptions that may not fit the new context.
• Engage with your colleagues beyond work, creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere through socializing.
• Offering and receiving constructive feedback is a powerful tool to enhance performance, communication, and relationships. Being open-minded, sociable, and feedback-oriented is crucial for successfully integrating into the work culture.

My experiences have taught me that the workplace is not just a place to work; it’s a journey of growth, learning, and collaboration. It’s akin to an ecosystem that thrives when every member contributes to its vitality. By embracing shared values and principles, we can build a lasting and vibrant work culture across borders.