Macy's CEO Tony Spring shared these 4 career tips from his 4 decades in retail

Macy's CEO Tony Spring, a retail industry veteran, shared his four decades of experience in department stores during a recent podcast interview. He emphasized the importance of listening, connecting, and making a great first impression. Spring recalled learning these lessons during his time at Bloomingdale's, where he climbed the corporate ladder from a store trainee in 1987 to CEO between 2014 and 2023. Here are four key career tips he gleaned along the way:

1. Listen and Learn: Spring advised against rushing into a new job and instead suggested starting with a listening mindset. He emphasized the value of absorbing as much information as possible during the early stages of employment when one's perspective is fresh and unencumbered by preconceived notions. He also mentioned that new employees can provide a unique viewpoint, observing aspects of the business that others may have become accustomed to.

2. Show Your Heart: Spring shared a piece of advice he received early in his career from a mentor. He advised that while colleagues may notice one's appearance, it is the personal touch—showing warmth, interest, and genuine care—that truly makes a difference. By sharing stories, maintaining a positive demeanor, and being genuinely interested in others' lives, employees can foster a more positive work environment.

3. Get a Feel for Parking Lot Impressions: Spring recounted an early lesson he learned during his time working at Burger King at the age of 16. He was assigned to clean the parking lot and later learned that it represented the first impression customers had of the restaurant. He suggested that every employee should be aware of this first impression and strive to make it count, no matter how menial the task may seem.

He chuckled about the fry station, but advised employees to focus on their core responsibilities, like mastering the drive-thru, rather than getting distracted by seemingly insignificant or unpleasant tasks.

4. Stay Humble: Spring underscored the importance of humility in leadership, noting that it is not the absence of confidence or competence but rather a balance between the two. He shared that he values his employees' trust by addressing them by their first names, engaging in conversations about their personal lives, and being empathetic towards both their successes and struggles.

By maintaining a sense of humility, employees are more likely to feel supported and valued, which in turn fosters a strong sense of camaraderie within the organization.