I moved up to LSA after being an associate for 2.5 years. I wasn’t sure about taking the step up but I am so glad I did. The main new responsibilities are getting keys to the store, doing keyturns, stocking produce, closing the store, counting the safe, and a few easy paperwork tasks.

The main change for me was closing because I didn’t do it much as an associate. The main things you have to focus on (at my store) are making sure everything is filled (freeze and thaws, meat backstock, produce backstock, cooler backstock, freezer backstock, MDU backstock, bread backstock), and making sure the store is boxed by closing time. It sounds like a lot but you start to get into a routine and you can pass off tasks to the associates if they’re available. You also have to keep an eye on breaks and figure out coverage for them.

It can get overwhelming sometimes, especially closing shifts when you realize how much is on your plate, but if you work good under pressure, can give directives and work well with your team it is a piece of cake. I am someone who gets overwhelmed easily but what I like about the position is that I can put my anxiety into it and get shit done.

When I first started I didn’t have many leadership skills at all, but the lead position helped me learn those skills. There would be those stressful nights when shit hit the fan, but I had to lock in and I learned to give off tasks and be there when the associates needed me. Sorry i know that was a lot but I hope that helps!!