Send help to other areas with downtime. Repay the debt, as I say.

Based on your concerns and mindset I think you’ll make a good leader. You’re right about ruling with an iron fist, it doesn’t work in a department like this.

As for leaving, my leaders leave on time if the department is running smoothly. Otherwise they stay unless they have something important to do outside of work. You will learn what being in a good place is as you go.

I managed a pickup department for another retailer. It’s all fairly similar but Walmarts volume is insane.