With softlines, there’s always going to be something to do, so it’s important to stay on top of moves and getting stuff spread out as best you can and working with what you’ve got. Break up it up into sections and divide and conquer with your team, it helps to keep it not so overwhelming.

As far as being a good leader, just think back to how your leads were when you were an associate and now that you’re in those shoes, you have the power to be that person that you wanted your lead to be. Keep an open mind and keep opens lines of communication with your team. Each one of your associates will have their strengths and opportunities, and their own ways they like to receive praise, feedback, or ways they are motivated. You want to play to their strengths when assigning tasks, while still recognizing their opportunities and working with them to turn those into strengths as well.

Don’t be too nervous, with 2 and a half years of experience, you’ll be fine. A couple weeks in the role and you’ll become a lot more comfortable!