Occasionally management promotion decisions can be made a bit hastily in trying to fill needed positions, which can sometimes result in choosing the wrong person for the job. This can be costly in many ways -- wasted money in training and coaching programs for the manager, and having to replace associates that leave because they are working under a manager that isn't the right fit. Sometimes it may be better to go without for a while rather than promote someone who isn't right for the position.
Very slow to adapt to technological advances. This is both a bad thing and a good thing since it usually results in better-planned implementation of new technology. However, it's harder to catch up to competitors that have been offering certain things for years. The up and coming generation is extremely quick to adapt to new technology and will choose retailers that offer them something new and exciting in their experience over those slow to respond. We have to be more innovative and take more risks.
Management work-life balance is very difficult to achieve. While in theory there are mandated guidelines for maximum weekly work hours, in practice these aren't treated terribly seriously. Reducing the hour requirement for managers will result in well-rested, happier managers who are going to be more productive and treat their associates better.
Bizarre fluctuating work week pay (salary with chinese overtime) for management with a large portion of yearly pay based in bonuses.
Work environment can vary drastically from store to store depending on the store manager. Some are excellent, invest in their team's growth, collaborate, train, and are not afraid of accountability. Others can be power-hungry, not open to suggestions for improvement, overly-demanding, inconsistent, not fair (show favoritism), etc. The entire climate of the store begins with the store manager -- this position is critical for both the associates/managers working there and the customers' perception of our company as a whole. I heard a store manager say that they are 'gatekeepers of the Publix brand,' which hits the nail right on the head.
