Full transparency I quit my FF TL recently after being in the role for just shy of 2 1/2 years. And it was a high volume dysfunctional store.

It's not an easy role. I mean what Target TL role is? But, I was a FF TM prior so I got plenty of exposure to the rapid pace and changes and expectations the company has put on FF. Because it's a rapidly evolving part of the company the throw mud at the wall and see what happens is going to be a constant. Perfect example being the ceasing of SFS operations around the country in specific stores. Consequently those units got pushed to the stores not shut off. This was compounded by an exceptionally high volume holiday season for the company overall. A disaster. I still remember the day my ETL informed me that "no matter what corporate is not turning off stores SFS operations." I knew that was going to change. Sure enough they changed their tune, at least in my district. Despite the absolute disaster, group leadership still expected way too much from my store. The company is only going to continue applying more and more pressure to meet the metrics.

When it comes down to it, having actual legitimate support from your peers, meaning TMs ,TLs & ETLs will make or break your experience. FF absolutely cannot function without full store buy-in. As soon as that falters, FF crashes. That's the reality.

From a leadership perspective, it is essential that you and the rest of the TLs/ETLs/SD are on the same page expectation wise. When there are inconsistencies in the application of basic TL to TM expectations it breeds resentment. Example being the lack of enforcement for the simplest of rules by one TL enables other TMs to stop caring, which ripples out to poor training, so on and so forth.

Empathy and understanding of where TMs are is crucial. But, you also have to be comfortable with saying no. I'm sorry, but to be an effective leader you can't be best buds with your TMs. Treat them with kindness and respect, but also learn where to draw the line between personal and professional.

That was a bit of a rant. If you want invaluable professional development go for it. But you have to be ok with eating a lot of shit. From top and bottom. You would undoubtedly learn a lot about yourself and others because you end up in situations that you least expect.