Distribution Center Managers can be a pro or a con depending on who you get. I met some awesome managers that were great leaders and ran a wonderful site office. Then there were others that played favorites, spread gossip, were absent when needed, got defensive when confronted with issues, and did not follow through with professional improvement promises. When these issues were brought to next level management the issues were not properly addressed. For anyone that didn't engage in these same activities or questioned them, they were made to feel like they were the problem. Extensive socializing between managers and direct reports outside of work created an atmosphere that eventually became hostile for those that chose not to do the same and only served to escalate the favoritism.
The other issue was that while there were several wonderful and professional sales staff, some were allowed to be aggressive and verbally abusive toward their support staff. The more senior the sales person, or the bigger their margins, the more the behavior was overlooked and allowed to continue.
